TORONTO (AP) In a passionate address during the final debate before the upcoming April 28 election, Prime Minister Mark Carney stressed the importance of eliminating trade barriers across Canada, emphasizing that such measures would provide greater benefits to Canadians than any concessions that U.S. President Donald Trump could offer amidst his ongoing trade war. Carney's remarks are part of a broader strategy to solidify his position and retain power in the face of critical opposition.

Carney has set an ambitious target for the establishment of free trade among Canadas ten provinces and three territories by July 1. This initiative aims to dismantle longstanding interprovincial trade barriers that have hampered economic growth and collaboration within the country. We can give ourselves far more than Donald Trump can ever take away, Carney stated resolutely. We can have one economy. This is within our grasp. His message resonated with many Canadians who are increasingly feeling the impact of Trump's tariffs, which have altered the longstanding trade relationship between the two countries over the past 40 years.

Should he be reelected, Carney has pledged to immediately engage in discussions with the Trump administration to address trade issues exacerbated by the ongoing trade conflict. The rhetoric surrounding the trade war has stirred considerable emotions among Canadians, who are frustrated by Trumps threats to designate Canada as the 51st state. This sentiment has led to a rise in Canadian nationalism, which in turn has boosted the Liberal Partys standing in recent polls.

On the opposing side, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is urging Canadians to reject a fourth consecutive Liberal term, framing the election as a referendum on Justin Trudeau's leadership. The past decade under Trudeau has seen a decline in his popularity, particularly as citizens grapple with escalating food and housing costs alongside a surge in immigration rates.

Poilievre's campaign strategy has shifted dramatically in light of recent events; following Trumps attacks on Trudeau, the former Prime Minister resigned, paving the way for Carneywho has previously served as a central bankerto take over as the Liberal Party leader just last month.

It may be difficult, Mr. Poilievre, considering you spent years running against Justin Trudeau and the carbon tax, and they are both gone now, Carney responded during the debate. I am a very different person than Justin Trudeau. This remark highlights the shift in public sentiment as well, with a notable change reflected in poll numbers.

A mid-January poll by Nanos indicated that the Liberals were trailing the Conservative Party by a noteworthy margin of 47% to 20%. However, the latest Nanos poll, released Thursday, reveals a significant turnaround, with the Liberals now leading by a slender margin of 5 percentage points. The January poll carried a margin of error of 3.1 points, while the most recent survey has a tighter margin of 2.7 points.

Poilievre has not shied away from criticizing Carneys Liberal government, asserting that they have been detrimental to Canadas energy sector and have implemented policies that undermine economic stability. He has vowed that a Conservative government would repeal what he terms anti-energy laws, red tape, and high taxes, aiming to restore confidence within the energy sector, which is vital for Canada's economic growth.