Conservative MPs meet in Ottawa as poll numbers show shrinking lead

As Canada gears up for a federal election campaign that could kick off as early as March 10, the Conservative Party is honing in on their perceived opponent: Mark Carney. The former Bank of England governor and current Liberal leadership candidate has become a focal point for the Conservatives, who have dubbed him “carbon tax Carney.”

During a caucus meeting in Ottawa on Friday morning, Conservative MPs remained steadfast in their criticism of Carney, accusing him of flip-flopping on his stance regarding the carbon tax. Deputy leader Melissa Lantsman lambasted Carney for his admission that he plans to replace the consumer carbon price with a new climate plan that shifts the burden onto big polluters while offering incentives to consumers.

Lantsman highlighted the potential impact on industries like steel, which are already facing threats of U.S. tariffs. The Conservatives have long been critical of the Liberal Party’s consumer carbon price, using the slogan “Axe the Tax” to rally support. However, with Trudeau stepping down and leading Liberal candidates vowing to scrap the carbon price, the Conservatives have shifted their focus to a new slogan: “Canada First.”

Despite holding a double-digit lead over the Liberal Party for over a year, recent polls suggest a tightening race between the two parties under Carney’s leadership. A recent Leger poll indicated a dead heat between the Liberals and the Conservatives, with 37% support for each party.

While the threat of U.S. tariffs looms large, the Conservatives maintain that the carbon tax remains the primary issue in the upcoming election. Conservative ethics critic Michael Barrett emphasized the party’s commitment to putting Canadians first by axing the carbon tax. Party leader Pierre Poilievre has proposed retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. and called for increased border security in response to Trump’s concerns.

Andrew Scheer, the Conservative House leader, echoed the party’s stance on prioritizing Canadian interests in the face of external threats. Poilievre is scheduled to host a “Canada First” rally in Ottawa, inviting supporters to wear red and white in celebration of Flag Day.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Conservatives are doubling down on their message of economic sovereignty and national pride. With the election campaign on the horizon, the stage is set for a showdown between the Conservatives and the Liberals, with Mark Carney at the center of the debate.