Freeland emphasized the need for Canada to retaliate strategically, saying, “Our counterpunch must be dollar-for-dollar and precisely targeted.” The proposal comes amid ongoing tensions as Trump has repeatedly referred to the US trade deficit with Canada, a nation rich in natural resources, as a subsidy.

Canada is a key export market for 36 US states, with nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods crossing the border each day. However, John Ries, senior associate dean at the University of British Columbia, cautioned against publicizing such a list in advance, suggesting it could provoke Trump and make it more difficult for him to back off from his tariff threats.

Freeland also pledged that, if elected, she would prevent American companies from bidding on Canadian federal procurement contracts (excluding defense). She intends to convene an international summit with leaders from Mexico, Denmark, Panama, and the EU to discuss joint responses to challenges to sovereignty and economic stability.

While some lawmakers have proposed cutting energy shipments to the US, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith opposed this idea. Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, another Liberal leadership contender, also suggested cutting Quebec’s hydro exports to the US as a possible response.

Freeland’s recent resignation as finance minister led to Trudeau’s announcement that he would step down as Prime Minister once a new Liberal leader is chosen on March 9. With opposition parties vowing to bring down the minority government, a federal election is expected this spring.

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Born to Punjabi immigrants in Winnipeg, Dhalla has a diverse background, including a career in beauty pageants, acting, and entrepreneurship. She holds a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Prior to politics, she worked as a chiropractor and even starred in the Bollywood-inspired film ‘Kyon? Kis Liye?’.

Dhalla served as a Member of Parliament from 2004 to 2011, becoming the first Indian-origin woman to serve three consecutive terms. Now, she is looking to break new ground as Canada’s first woman of color to serve as Prime Minister.

In her video message on X, Dhalla expressed gratitude and emphasized the historic nature of her campaign to become the first woman of color to lead the country. Her political journey also saw her ranked in the top spots for attractiveness, including being named the third-sexiest female MP in a 2008 poll by Hill Times.

Apart from politics, Dhalla is the CEO and President of the Dhalla Group of Companies. She also made headlines as a 10-year-old when she wrote a letter to then-Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, expressing her concerns about the violence during Operation Blue Star. Gandhi responded personally and invited Dhalla to visit India, though she was assassinated before that could happen.

As part of her leadership campaign, Dhalla pledged to take a hard stance on immigration. She stated, “As Prime Minister, I will deport illegal immigrants and clamp down on human traffickers.” This promise has placed immigration reform at the forefront of her platform, drawing both praise and criticism.

Dhalla faces significant competition from other high-profile figures, such as Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland. Despite this, she is determined to offer a fresh approach and has outlined a vision of returning the Liberal Party to the center with practical solutions to Canada’s challenges. The winner of the Liberal Party leadership race will be announced on March 9.

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