Poilievre Visits Detroit to Push Tariff-Free Auto Trade Ahead of US Midterms Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is in Detroit to advocate for tariff-free auto trade, meeting with GM, Ford and union representatives, as the trade war shapes the Michigan Senate race. OTTAWA - Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was in Detroit on Tuesday to make a case for tariff-free trade in the auto sector, with the trade war looming large over the U.S. midterm elections. At a news conference in Windsor, Ont. before crossing into the United States, Poilievre said he planned to meet with representatives of a General Motors plant in Detroit and officials from a Ford plant in nearby Dearborn, Mich. He is also planning to meet with members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers while in Michigan. Poilievre said he will be joined by members of the Conservative caucus from the Windsor area.Poilievre blames trade warThe Conservative leader blamed the trade war for declining auto production on both sides of the border. He said the dispute is only helping China and other overseas competitors."The story is not rosy there either and that is because of this ridiculous trade war that is only helping China and other overseas competitors. We should not be fighting with each other while our risks and rivals abroad get stronger," Poilievre said. Poilievre said he will use the meetings with business leaders and policymakers to make the case that free trade benefits both countries. He is also scheduled to do American interviews during the visit.The trade war has emerged as a major factor in the U.S. midterm election race in Michigan, the heart of the U.S. auto industry. The state is a key battleground ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm vote. Despite having previously supported U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, Michigan Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers released a video last week saying Canada is not our enemy and calling for an end to the trade war.Rogers seeks Canada dealIn a debate last week with his Democratic opponent Abdul El-Sayed, Rogers said he wants a deal with Canada and that the current tariffs are too high. The debate took place Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, Mich. The U.S. currently has a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian autos. President Trump has threatened to increase that tariff to 50 per cent on Jan. 1 in response to Canada's counter-tariffs.When asked about Trump adviser Peter Navarro recently warning that Canada would pay a price for any interference in the midterm elections, Poilievre said he does not see his visit ahead of the vote as meddling."I think we're going there to fight for tariff-free trade on both sides of the border and Americans want lower prices and more jobs and we're offering a plan for them to have both," Poilievre said. Ahead of his trip to Detroit, Poilievre outlined the Conservative Steel Plan in hopes of saving jobs and urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to get back to the table with the U.S. The plan is aimed at supporting workers in the steel and auto sectors who have been affected by the ongoing trade dispute.Poilievre urges Carney negotiatePoilievre has been pressing the government to take a more aggressive approach to negotiations with Washington. He has repeatedly called on Carney to return to the negotiating table to secure a deal that would remove tariffs on Canadian goods. Trump ended trade talks with Canada last year after Ontario aired an ad during the World Series using clips of former president Ronald Reagan criticizing tariffs and supporting free trade.In August, Carney ordered the Canadian negotiating team to call off trade talks with the U.S. after accusing the Americans of making unreasonable demands. The tariffs have caused significant concern in Canada's auto and steel sectors. Industry leaders have warned that the 25 per cent tariff on Canadian autos and the threat of an increase to 50 per cent could lead to job losses and plant closures.Poilievre's trip to Detroit is part of his broader effort to build relationships with American business leaders and policymakers. The Conservative leader's visit comes as the trade war continues to dominate the political conversation on both sides of the border. Michigan is a key battleground state in the U.S. midterm elections, and the auto industry is a major employer in the region. Rogers, the Republican Senate candidate, has shifted his tone on tariffs in recent weeks.His video saying Canada is not our enemy marked a change from his earlier support for the tariffs. In his debate with El-Sayed, he said he wants to see a deal made with Canada and that the current tariffs are too high. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 13, 2026. David Baxter, The Canadian Press.