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Investing.com -- Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney, on the campaign trail in Toronto, addressed the pressing issues of crime and security, while also responding to the recent tariff announcements by U.S. President Donald Trump. Yesterday, Trump lifted tariffs on China to 125%, but granted all other countries the U.S. had reciprocally tariffed a 90-day pause to negotiate trade deals. Canada and Mexico saw no change in their tariffs.
Carney criticized the tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Canadian steel, aluminum, and vehicles, which have significant implications for the Canadian economy. He announced a meeting scheduled for Tuesday with defense and national security officials to discuss the Canada-U.S. relationship in light of these tariff developments.
Trump's tariffs on Canada persist, including a 25% duty on steel and aluminum and certain vehicles, as well as varying tariffs on other goods, although some have been suspended under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement rules. Carney emphasized a strong response to these economic challenges, stating, "We are responding with purpose and force. We will fight, we will protect, and we will build."
The Prime Minister also linked American policies to threats against Canadian community safety, pointing out that criminals exploit lax U.S. gun laws and border enforcement. Carney took aim at his election rival, Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre, arguing that Poilievre's crime law proposals, which Carney views as echoing ineffective U.S. policies, would exacerbate the crime problem in Canada.
Carney's government, if elected, plans to revoke gun licenses for individuals convicted of violent offenses, strengthen firearms licensing, and enhance the "yellow and red flag" laws designed to prevent gun ownership by those deemed unfit. He also plans to invest in the RCMP's laboratories to improve the tracking of guns used in crimes and to expedite the buyback of assault-style firearms, leaving classifications to the RCMP rather than the gun industry.
To combat the influx of illegal drugs and guns from the U.S., Carney's government will deploy scanners, drones, helicopters, and additional personnel to the border, recruit 1000 more RCMP personnel, increase cadet pay, train 1000 new Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers, and enable police to seize contraband through Canada Post (NYSE:POST) mail.
The Prime Minister also discussed strengthening public prosecution services, expanding early retirement eligibility for first responders, and making bail more difficult to obtain for certain violent offenders. He proposed reversing the burden of proof at bail hearings for these individuals and prohibiting those charged with violent or organized crime offenses from possessing guns upon release.
Further, Carney's government aims to toughen sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders, ban the creation and distribution of non-consensual sexual deepfakes, and increase penalties for sexual assault and non-consensual intimate image sharing. For the protection of children, legislation will be introduced to safeguard them from online exploitation, with increased funding for the Canadian Centre for Child Protection and heightened sentences for child murderers.
Lastly, Carney addressed the spread of hate on the internet, announcing measures to outlaw obstruction to places of worship, schools, and community centers, and criminalize threats against attendees. His government plans to extend the "Building Safer Communities" fund, prioritize affordable childcare and housing, and expand training, particularly in skilled trades, to steer youth away from crime.
Carney's words come after Pierre Poilievre's proposals yesterday, including a "3 Strikes, You're Out" law. Under this proposed law, any individual convicted of three serious offenses would be ineligible for bail, probation, parole, or house arrest.