Hub Podcasts Carney's tariff retreat and Poilievre's control of the political Right
6 snips
Aug 22, 2025 The discussion delves into Prime Minister Carney's surprising move to repeal retaliatory tariffs against the U.S., analyzing its potential impact on Canada-U.S. trade relations. The hosts critically assess the political fallout and credibility issues surrounding this decision. Later, they explore Pierre Poilievre's adept consolidation of the Canadian Right, highlighting how it reshapes the political landscape and may influence future governance in Canada. The tension between political image and substantive policy decisions is also a key theme.
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Tariff Pullback Was A Negotiation Signal
- Sean Speer observes Canada dropped retaliatory tariffs largely to get back to the negotiating table with the U.S.
- He warns the move will be seen as a break from election promises and will require explanation from Prime Minister Carney.
Tariff Cuts Hurt Fiscal Assumptions
- Rudyard Griffiths notes the announced retaliatory tariffs were economically small relative to total trade but politically significant.
- He warns losing assumed tariff revenue (~$20bn) complicates Liberal fiscal plans and may shift costs to Canadians or higher deficits.
Back To Kuzma Rather Than New Deal
- Sean says the government appears to have abandoned a distinct trade-security deal path and is defaulting to relying on the existing Kuzma framework.
- He cautions this may leave Canada exposed ahead of the Kuzma review and risks leaving us worse off.