Canada’s Conservatives & Their Trump Obsession: A Growing Concern

Smith, Poilievre and Ford call for greater economic ties between Canada and the USA

The obsession with Donald Trump among Canada’s conservative politicians is something that needs serious scrutiny. While Trump openly threatens Canada with economic warfare, pushes for punitive tariffs, and even entertains the idea of annexing Canada as the 51st state, some of Canada’s top right-wing leaders seem more interested in cozying up to him rather than protecting Canadian sovereignty.

At a time when Canada should be diversifying its trade relationships and reducing reliance on the U.S., conservative leaders like Danielle Smith, Pierre Poilievre, and Doug Ford seem to be doing the opposite—advocating for even closer economic ties with the U.S. rather than preparing for potential economic retaliation from a future Trump administration.

• Danielle Smith has entertained the idea of Kevin O’Leary’s so-called "economic union" with the U.S., an idea that sounds dangerously close to economic surrender rather than partnership.

• Pierre Poilievre, while claiming to oppose Canada becoming the 51st state, continues to advocate for deeper trade ties with the U.S., ignoring the growing risk of Trump’s isolationist, protectionist policies.

• Doug Ford, meanwhile, champions the "Am-Cam Fortress" concept in Ontario, which only further entrenches Canada’s economic dependence on the U.S.

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to take their so-called patriotism seriously when they are actively pushing for greater reliance on a country whose leadership openly talks about dismantling Canada’s economic independence.

Even more concerning is their alignment with figures who actively promote Canada’s subjugation to American interests. Both Poilievre and Smith have conducted interviews with Jordan Peterson, a vocal advocate of right-wing U.S. politics. Smith and O’Leary even joined Peterson at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, further cementing their ties to those who champion a Canada under American influence.

Canadian conservatives can’t have it both ways. They can’t claim to be opposed to Canada becoming the 51st state while, in the next breath, pushing for greater economic integration with the U.S.. Canadians aren’t interested in deeper dependence on America—they’re looking for leaders who will stand up for Canada’s economic sovereignty. It’s time they give up the fantasy of Trump as an ally and start putting Canada first.