Understanding the Federal Elections – Week Two

WEEK TWO – The Monday and Tuesday of Week Two of the 45th Canadian General Election was a continuation of Week One. The leaders of the political parties continued to travel across the country, holding political rallies and making campaign commitments. The polls remained steady with the Liberals at 44%, the Conservatives at 35% and the NDP at 10%. Then on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at approximately 4:00pm, Donald Trump began his “Liberation Day” speech and the world economy changed.

Using a game show prop, Trump announce “U.S.A. Discounted Reciprocal Tariffs” on more than 150 countries. This has which caused significant market chaos and will potentially re-orient global trade. These tariffs are calculated using a formula that employs trade deficits and imported goods, per the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The announced tariffs range between 46% and a base amount of 10% on goods imported by the United States of America.

No new tariffs were announced against Canada or Mexico, which were omitted from Trump’s chart. The existing 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, along with import charges on goods that aren’t compliant with the existing CUSMA (North American trade deal). However. Trump indicated that there would be further tariffs on Canadian forestry (soft wood lumber), agricultural, semiconductors and pharmaceuticals.

Prime Minister Carney left the campaign trail in order to meet with business and labour leaders on Wednesday evening. On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Carney met with members of his cabinet and later with the Premiers.

Thursday afternoon, Prime Minister Carney spoke to Canadians. He began by describing the new Trump Reciprocal Tariffs as being designed to reshape the international trading system and the effects on the international system as being monumental. Prime Minister Carney further stated that the present tariffs against Canada are unjustified, unwarranted and misguided.

The Trump automobile tariff has resulted in an at least 2-week shutdown of the Stellantis +Windsor plant affecting 3,600 workers. Prime Minister Carney announced that the government stands in solidarity with these 3,600 Stellantis workers. He went on to say that all Tariff funds received from Canadian counter-tariffs will be used to assist Canadian workers affected by the Trump Tariffs.

The Prime Minister went on to say that Canada will respond to these tariffs and the changing world with purpose and force. Canada will respond with carefully calibrated and targeted tariffs. Canada will match U.S. tariffs on vehicles that are not compliant with CUSMA (Canada, United States and Mexico Agreement).

The Prime Minister previously indicated that, together with the provincial and territorial premiers, they are working to remove the various interprovincial trade barriers. The anticipated date for the removal of all these barriers is Canada Day (July 1, 2025).

For the past 3 years, GTA Strategies has been working with a number of companies and government officials to remove the barriers which apply to their industries. GTA Strategies looks forward to working with the various governments on this very important issue.

Should you wish to sign the e-petition to encourage Councillors, MPPs/ MNAs/ MLAs, MPs, Premiers, Prime Minister and Federal Liberals to engage in taking down interprovincial trade barriers click here.

The campaign resumed on Friday with the leaders campaigning in various parts of the country. Mark Carney was in Montreal, Woodbridge and Toronto. Pierre Poilievre was in Trois-Rivieres and Ottawa. Jagmeet Singh was in Montreal.

The opinion polls show the end of the week numbers Liberal at 44%. Conservative at and NDP at 10%.

We hope you are interested in these updates, or would like to discuss other ways we can help your business & or your organization grow, please do not hesitate to reach out. You can reach us by email at jim@gtastrategies.com or by phone at 416-499-4588 ext 1. We look forward to hearing from you in the near future.