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Conservative leader distances party from MP's comments
Canadian Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre publicly disagreed with a statement by one of his MPs, who described Canada's response to U.S. policies as an "anti-American hissy fit."
Jivani's remarks spark controversy
Ontario MP Jamil Jivani made the comment during an interview with right-wing U.S. outlet Breitbart over the weekend. Jivani, who traveled to Washington earlier this month without official government approval, met unofficially with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
The two share a long-standing friendship, having been roommates while studying law at Yale University.
Unofficial trip raises questions
Before his trip, Jivani posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) suggesting he was in Washington to assist Prime Minister Mark Carney in trade negotiations with the U.S. However, the Liberal government clarified that Jivani was not acting in an official capacity.
In his Breitbart interview, Jivani argued that Canada's criticism of U.S. policies was counterproductive. "We're shooting ourselves in the foot if we continue this anti-America... hissy fit," he said.
Poilievre responds, Ford weighs in
On Tuesday, Poilievre told reporters that while he supports MPs using personal connections to advance trade talks, he disagreed with Jivani's characterization of Canada's stance.
"Canadians are legitimately upset by the unjustifiable tariffs and the comments that the president has made. He speaks for himself, and I speak for the party."
Pierre Poilievre, Conservative Party Leader
Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has been vocal against U.S. tariffs on the province's auto sector, also criticized Jivani's remarks. "I don't call it a hissy fit," Ford said.
Trade tensions remain high
Canada continues to face U.S. tariffs, including a 35% blanket rate on goods not covered by the existing North American free trade agreement. The deal is currently under review, with negotiations set to conclude later this year.
Jivani, whose constituency includes many auto workers affected by the tariffs, claimed his Washington meetings were productive. In a February 4 post on X, he quoted the U.S. president as saying, "Tell the Canadians I love them."
