Carney appeals for support in Quebec, promises protection from Trump | U.S. & World [Video]

By Promit Mukherjee

TROIS-RIVIERES, Quebec (Reuters) – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney took his election campaign to Quebec on Tuesday, saying only he could protect the predominantly French-speaking province from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Polls show the ruling Liberals have a narrow lead over the Conservatives ahead of an April 28 election that Carney says is one of the most crucial in Canada’s history.

Any party wishing to win power must do well in Quebec, which has the second-largest number of seats in the House of Commons after Ontario and is home to an independence movement dedicated to protecting the role of French and local culture.

Trump has imposed tariffs on imports from Canada and mused about annexing the country.

“This threat is not only an economic threat, it is an existential threat. To be clear, President Trump is threatening the distinct identity of Quebecers,” Carney said at a campaign event in the …