Canada's main opposition head urges premier to reconvene Parliament amid trade tensions with US

Canada's opposition Conservative leader called on Prime Minister Mark Carney Sunday to reconvene Parliament, demanding answers over the collapse of trade negotiations with the US and the economic impact of escalating tariffs.

"We must put the national interest first," Pierre Poilievre said in a Sunday evening letter to Carney.

"Canadians deserve answers on how trade talks collapsed, what tariffs will cost their families, and how their jobs will be protected," Poilievre wrote on social media company X.

The call comes after Canada and the US failed to reach a trade agreement in intensive negotiations. New 50% tariffs came into effect at midnight Saturday after a deal could not be reached, affecting around $28 billion worth of Canadian goods.

Carney has pledged dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on US goods starting Sept. 8, while maintaining that Canada will not accept what it considers an unfair agreement.

"We cannot accept what they've offered, and we will not give what they've asked," Carney told a Sunday press conference.

Poilievre said Parliament must urgently address the details of the failed negotiations, the cost of tariffs for Canadian households, and the protection of Canadian jobs and industries.

He questioned how much tariffs could increase the price of groceries and other goods and asked how revenue from Canada's retaliatory measures would be used.

The Conservative leader also called for measures to protect Canadian steel, aluminum, lumber, and automobile industries, arguing that the country needs stronger action to defend jobs and economic growth.

Canada sends roughly three-quarters of its exports to the US, leaving businesses and workers particularly exposed to new trade barriers. The latest tariff measures have raised concerns over the economic consequences of a prolonged trade dispute between the two countries.

Poilievre urged Carney to reconvene Parliament "without delay," saying Canadians need greater transparency and accountability from the government as trade tensions with Washington escalate.