A vote for our economy

Trump’s shocking tariff policy announcement has put Canadians in a precarious situation. We may be forced to seek new trading partners, develop a more closed domestic economy, brace for job losses and expect rising prices. Lately, due to my dual identity as a Canadian-American, my concern has shifted from what Trump is doing to Canada to what he is doing to his own country.

As Desmond Lachman argues in a recent National Interest op-ed, an economic recession may be looming. The stock market continues to decline, and companies are losing confidence in their ability to make sound investment decisions in the wake of Trump’s protectionist policies. But this is not merely an economic crisis. In a New York Times piece, David Brooks contends that Trump’s lack of self-restraint, alienation of international allies and his assault on universities all point to an attack on civilization itself. 

I can’t help but chuckle at the anxiety over Canada becoming the 51st state – we’ve functioned as a satellite state in the American empire since before George Grant declared it in his “eulogy” for Canada in 1965, a time that signalled deep integration with the American economy. Whether or not you agree with Grant’s terminology, if the U.S. plunges into recession, we will undoubtedly feel the impact.

Our two options

Thus, the question I’ve been asking myself as I prepare to go into the voting booth is: Who can I count on to be sharp on economic policy? When I ask this, I am thinking of only two contenders: Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre.

With a dazzling resume filled with relevant experience and notable accomplishments, Carney has the potential to keep Canada resilient in the face of economic uncertainty. But he also raises some concerns. His Trudeau-esque dual strategy of expanding energy exports while endorsing a regulatory environmentalist agenda has proven ineffective. As Trudeau’s economic advisor, Carney seemed to have done nothing to reverse the housing shortage and the ongoing productivity slump. His recent pivot on fiscal policy could erode public trust, demonstrating his inconsistency. And we would be perceptive to assume that Trump’s antagonism toward Canada is fueled by his contempt for progressive politics, of which Carney is a supporter. 

As for Poilievre, I struggle to resonate with his obsession with increasing oil and gas production, and I’m not a fan of his populist rhetoric. Nevertheless, since witnessing Poilievre’s well-tempered performance in the debate, I have gained a lot more confidence in his ability to be a national leader rather than an opposition figure. I see Poilievre as someone prudent enough to cut a new deal with Trump and avoid a fiscal stimulus in the event of a recession, which will only increase inflation. Moreover, Poilievre’s plan to cut regulations, reduce government spending and lower taxes will hopefully restore power to what I see as the most efficient (though imperfect) decision-maker in world history: the market. After a disappointing decade under Liberal leadership, I (like many other young Canadians who are apprehensive about the economy) am ready for change.

God-given responsibility

Although I plan to vote for Poilievre on April 28, my prayer is not that he wins. My prayer is that whoever wins will lead our government to fulfill its limited but God-given responsibility: to uphold justice for Canadian people. I pray that our new leader will steer our country away from the self-destruction of the American empire. And I offer up to God the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 2:1-2: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people, for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

This article is one of a series of three Gen Z perspectives on the 2025 Canadian federal election. The views expressed are those of the author, not of CC‘s editorial staff.