By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Liberal leadership hopeful Chrystia Freeland made her pitch to party members and local voters during a stop at Butler Farm in Waterville on Feb. 19, emphasizing her support for supply management and warning of economic threats posed by former U.S. president Donald Trump.
Around 50 residents gathered as the Butler family gave Freeland a tour of their dairy farm before she took questions from the media. Freeland, who grew up on a farm in Alberta, described the visit as personally meaningful. “A farm isn’t just a job; it’s a family commitment, a community effort,” she said. “I grew up knowing what it means to work on a farm, and I respect what families like the Butlers do every day.”
Commitment to supply management
Asked about her stance on Canada’s supply management system for dairy, Freeland was unequivocal: “Yes, absolutely. I will defend supply management,” she said. “This is a time to build a resilient economy. We need our farmers, our dairy producers. They are central to our economic security.”
Freeland noted that she had discussed the issue with local Liberal supporters the previous evening in Orford. “I said it then, and I’ll say it again: I will fight for Canada’s economy and I will fight for supply management,” she stated, emphasizing its role in ensuring stability for farmers.
She also suggested that Canada should be prepared for renewed trade tensions with the U.S. “We need to publish a list of retaliatory tariffs now, so Trump knows we will push back if he tries to impose tariffs on Canada,” she said, adding that if elected prime minister, she would target American dairy products in any trade dispute.
Taking on Trump and Poilievre
Freeland framed her leadership bid as a response to what she described as a “critical moment” for Canada. “Trump doesn’t see Canada as an equal. He has openly suggested that we should be the 51st state,” she said. “We have to be clear: We will not capitulate. We will not negotiate our sovereignty.”
Freeland pointed to her experience negotiating the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) under Trump’s first term as evidence she is prepared to defend Canada’s interests. “I’ve negotiated with Trump before, and I won. He tried to bully us, and we stood firm.”
She also took aim at Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, arguing that he is ill-equipped to face another Trump presidency. “Poilievre spends every day saying Canada is broken. He wants to be a little Trump, but he’s not ready to stand up to the real one. He’s not the person to defend our country.”
