Poilievre Pushes Auto Trade Talks During Detroit Visit

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre traveled to Detroit on Oct. 13, 2026, to advocate tariff-free trade for Canada’s auto sector, meeting business leaders and discussing the impact of U.S. tariffs on Canadian vehicles, according to CP24.

Poilievre was scheduled to hold a press conference in Windsor, Ontario, before crossing into Detroit for meetings and American media interviews, according to CP24. The visit focused on protecting automotive jobs and trade links between Canada and the United States.

The U.S. currently applies a 25 percent tariff on Canadian autos, and President Donald Trump has threatened to raise it to 50 percent on Jan. 1 in response to Canadian counter-tariffs, according to CP24.

Poilievre’s Detroit meetings centered on the auto industry as the trade dispute has become a key issue in Michigan, a major hub for U.S. vehicle production, according to CP24. He was expected to press the case for removing tariffs affecting the sector.

Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers has previously supported tariffs but later argued for an agreement with Canada, according to CP24. He addressed the relationship between the two countries during a debate with Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed.

"Canada is not our enemy," said Mike Rogers, Michigan Republican Senate candidate.

Rogers released a video containing the statement last week and said he wanted to see a deal reached with Canada because the current tariffs were too high, according to CP24.

The Hill Times also reported that Poilievre’s Detroit agenda included meetings with American business representatives focused on Canada’s auto sector.