During the 2025 Election, Mark Carney’s central campaign theme was that he would resolve the U.S. tariff issue and reduce Canada’s dependency on the U.S.

The results so far? Canada continues to sell our energy to the U.S. at a massive discount, Carney keeps imposing industrial carbon taxes on Canadian agriculture and manufacturing, and no deal is in sight on U.S. tariffs.

Carney now says that nobody can really handle or control Donald Trump. He is basically admitting that what he said during the election was false.

Last week, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre laid out a real vision for Canada that I believe speaks directly to the values and priorities of families here in Regina–Qu’Appelle.

At a time of global instability and economic pressure, his message was clear: Canada must become stronger at home so we have leverage abroad.

He spoke plainly about trade tensions with the United States: “What President Trump says about Canada is wrong.” Canada is not exploiting America. In fact, our workers have supplied the energy, minerals and materials that power North American prosperity. And as Pierre reminded Canadians, “He is also wrong to ignore the sacrifices Canada has made for the United States. Canadians fought and died alongside Americans in Afghanistan… We also fought and bled alongside America… defending American territory in the Second World War.”

That history matters. But so does the future.

Pierre was equally clear that while we must maintain our vital relationship with the U.S., we cannot naively pivot to Beijing. “We seek no fight with China or its people… But its government and its proxies have kidnapped our citizens, stolen our technology, interfered in our elections, and pushed fentanyl onto our streets.”

And as he stated plainly: “China is not a substitute for the United States of America.”

The solution is not grievance. It is strength.

Right now, some of the biggest barriers to Canadian success are self-imposed. As Pierre noted, “In fact, some of the worst tariffs imposed on Canada today are those imposed by the government here. Slow permits, changing rules, high taxes… It now takes 19 years to get a mine approved.” That affects Saskatchewan directly. Our energy, potash, uranium and agricultural sectors are world-class — but they are too often tied up in red tape.

To restore affordability, Pierre made another point that resonates strongly in our region: “For energy to be affordable, we should eliminate all carbon taxes… Permit rapid oil and gas, and electricity development… We should cancel EV rebates that subsidize foreign automobile production.”

He also proposed creating “a new Strategic Energy and Mineral Reserve” to strengthen Canada’s security and negotiating position — ensuring our critical resources remain under Canadian control.

Why does this matter? Because as Pierre put it, “More leverage puts us in a stronger position to negotiate.” Whether in CUSMA talks or broader trade discussions, strength at home means confidence at the table.

Ultimately, this vision comes down to a simple principle: “Because economic strength is national strength. Energy security is national security. Self-reliance is sovereignty made real.”

For Regina–Qu’Appelle — for our farmers, energy workers, small businesses and veterans — that is not abstract rhetoric. It is a practical roadmap to restore opportunity and secure our future.

After 11 years of Liberal rule, Canada is more dependent on the U.S.  and the quality of life for Canadians is deteriorating. Conservatives are offering a brighter future, in which Canada’s destiny will be written by Canadians. And with the right Leadership, we will thrive and prosper and become stronger than ever.

You can watch Pierre’s full speech at www.andrewmp.ca/StrongerAtHome