Canada's Conservative leader talks tariffs and martial arts with Joe Rogan

March 19, 2026

Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre appeared on Joe Rogan's podcast as part of a broader US tour aimed at raising his international visibility while he trails Prime Minister Mark Carney in polling. The conversation covered multiple topics including his arguments against US tariffs on Canadian goods, his support for fitness and martial arts, and Canada's controversial assisted dying legislation. Poilievre's American trip included stops in Detroit, Texas, and New York City, where he met with business executives and government officials to promote increased trade and energy partnerships between the two nations.

Who is affected

Canadian Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney
Joe Rogan (podcaster)
American consumers (referenced regarding housing and truck costs)
Car-manufacturing executives in Detroit
Texas Governor Greg Abbott
People with mental illness in Canada (regarding assisted dying law expansion)
Canadian and American businesses involved in cross-border trade
Oil processing facilities in Texas

What action is being taken

Poilievre is conducting a US tour with stops in Detroit, Texas, and New York City
Poilievre is meeting with car-manufacturing executives and touring oil processing facilities
Poilievre is pitching increased Canadian oil production by two million barrels annually
Prime Minister Carney is negotiating on behalf of Canada regarding tariffs
Carney is making trips abroad to boost investment and double non-US trade

Why it matters

This matters because it occurs during a critical period ahead of the mandatory review of the free trade agreement between Canada, the US, and Mexico. The tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canadian goods have significant economic implications for both countries, affecting industries from energy to lumber to aluminum, which in turn impacts consumer costs for housing and vehicles in the US. Poilievre's outreach represents an opposition leader's attempt to influence international relations and build his profile while the current government handles official negotiations, potentially setting the stage for future leadership dynamics in Canada.

What's next

Poilievre will deliver an address at the Foreign Policy Institute in New York City on Thursday evening
Free trade agreement negotiations between Canada, the US, and Mexico will occur (the agreement is up for mandatory review this year)
Canada's assisted dying law expansion to cover people with mental illness as their sole condition is planned for March 2027

Read full article from source: BBC