OTTAWA, Canada, Nov 24 (AP) – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused his conservative political rival of turning his back on Ukraine under the influence of Donald Trump, the leading candidate for the Republican nomination in the 2024 U.S. election. Trudeau’s comments came after all 109 Conservative lawmakers in the House of Commons opposed updated legislation for the free trade agreement between Canada and Ukraine. The legislation received unanimous support from all other parties. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who is leading in polls, cited concerns about Ukraine being forced to adopt a carbon tax as the reason for his party’s opposition to the trade bill.

Trudeau, speaking to reporters in Newfoundland, dismissed the conservative party’s stance as “absurd.” He emphasized that the reluctance to support Ukraine is due to the influence of right-wing American thinking, a sharp departure from the conservatives’ past support for Ukraine. Trump has been critical of U.S. support for Kyiv and has stated that he could end the war in Ukraine within 24 hours if re-elected.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress expressed disappointment with the Conservative party’s decision to vote against the trade agreement. Poilievre, on the other hand, maintained his support for Ukraine and a free-trade deal while rejecting the inclusion of a carbon tax in the agreement. His spokesman, Sebastian Skamski, criticized the Liberal government for incorporating “punishing carbon taxes” into a binding trade deal for the first time in Canadian history. Opinion polls suggest that Poilievre would likely win a majority if an election were held today, with one of his main promises being to eliminate Canada’s carbon tax if elected.

Canada has the second-largest Ukrainian expatriate community after Russia, and the trade agreement is seen as crucial for supporting Ukraine. Despite the differing views on Ukrainian support, the debate over the trade bill reflects the growing influence of American politics on Canada’s domestic policies. Acquire Licensing Rights, opens new tab.

Reporting by Steve Scherer