Mark Carney defends launching election campaign, with more U.S. tariffs expected [Video]

Liberal Leader Mark Carney defended launching an election campaign in the midst of an escalating trade war with the United States, in which more punitive U.S. tariffs are expected within 10 days, by saying he wants Canadian voters to sign off on his plans to fireproof the Canadian economy against the threat posed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Speaking at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, shortly after asking Governor-General Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament, Mr. Carney told reporters he needs a strong mandate for dealing with Mr. Trump and for changes he’s proposing. These include a one percentage point income tax cut to the lowest tax bracket and efforts to diversify the economy away from …