Liberal Leadership Candidates Address Trump Threat in First Debate

In the first debate for the Liberal Party of Canada leadership, candidates Mark Carney, Chrystia Freeland, Karina Gould, and Frank Baylis focused significantly on U.S. President Donald Trump's perceived threats to Canada's economy and sovereignty. Freeland warned that Trump poses the greatest threat to Canada since World War II, citing his aggressive approach and potential for imposing tariffs, while Carney described Trump as more isolationist and aggressive than during his first term. Baylis suggested forming an economic bloc with the UK, Australia, and New Zealand to counter U.S. dominance, while Carney advocated for retaliatory tariffs if Trump follows through on his threats. The candidates also tackled various domestic issues, including immigration and climate change, with Freeland and Carney distancing themselves from the current government's carbon tax amid growing voter dissatisfaction. The debate emphasized the candidates' differing strategies for negotiating with the U.S. and addressing domestic challenges as they prepare for the upcoming election against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.