US President Donald Trump and his threats to slap punishing tariffs on Canada dominated a televised leadership debate Monday as part of the race to become the country's next prime minister.
The contenders to succeed Justin Trudeau clamoured to present themselves as the best choice to take on the mercurial American president, calling him "a threat" and warning that "he wants our country."
Former central banker Mark Carney, the frontrunner in the race, is favored by Canadians to deal with Trump on trade and other US bilateral issues, according to polls.
"We have to recognize that the Trump of today, he's not the same Trump he was before," Carney said. "He's more unilateralist, more isolationist, more aggressive."
"He used to want a piece of our markets. Now he wants our country," he said, alluding to Trump's repeated remarks urging Canada to become the 51st US state.
Former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, also in the running, said Trump was "the biggest threat to Canada" in nearly a century.
"He's threatening us with economic warfare," she said.
Earlier Monday, Trump said 25 percent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico would go ahead as planned.
He had announced the duties shortly after taking office, citing illegal immigration and the flow of deadly fentanyl.
But he issued a last-minute halt to the levies for a month as talks continued.
The pause ends next Tuesday, and all eyes are watching to see whether the North American neighbors can come to agreements to avert their implementation, which would snarl supply chains in key sectors such as auto manufacturing.
A second Liberal leadership debate is scheduled for Tuesday.
The ruling party will choose its next leader, who will also become Canada's prime minister, on March 9.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
