Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) Jamil Jivani expressed his concerns about the lack of an alternative to the Liberal government in a video shared on social media. On the same day, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre embarked on a tour in the U.S. to advocate for tariff-free trade.
In the video, Jivani emphasized the importance of providing a distinct option to the Liberals in Ottawa. He highlighted the need for a vision that fosters a stronger Canada-U.S. relationship, prevents economic crises, promotes infrastructure development, and bolsters the economy.
Jivani criticized the Liberal administration for using tensions with the U.S. to evade public scrutiny and accused the media of labeling critics of Liberal policies as “traitors.” Additionally, he condemned the government’s pursuit of closer ties with China.
Although Jivani did not directly mention Poilievre, the timing of his video prompted former Conservative cabinet minister Jason Kenney to criticize him. Kenney commended Poilievre for championing Canada and free trade, contrasting Jivani’s actions.
Dimitri Soudas, a former communications director to ex-Prime Minister Stephen Harper, questioned Jivani’s omission of the Conservative leader, suggesting that sometimes silence speaks louder than words.
Poilievre launched his U.S. tour by expressing Canadians’ confusion and concern over the country’s position as a target of the Trump administration. He emphasized the importance of standing up for Canadian sovereignty and strengthening ties with the U.S. to counter common adversaries like China.
The Conservative leader has been vocal in calling for parliamentary action, transparency on rejected trade deals, and a detailed analysis of Canada’s counter-tariffs. Despite ongoing tensions, Poilievre has refrained from criticizing Prime Minister Mark Carney during his U.S. visits.
Jivani, known for his friendship with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance, has visited Washington twice to engage with American trade officials. His statements on Canada-U.S. relations have drawn both support and criticism within the Conservative ranks.
As discussions on tariffs unfolded, Jivani’s differing views on trade strategies sparked internal party debates. His remarks on countering U.S. levies raised concerns among some Conservatives, with MP Kyle Seeback publicly questioning Jivani’s stance before deleting the post.
