The MeidasTouch Podcast: "Charlie Angus on Canada Holding the Line Against Trump"

Release Date: April 19, 2025

In this compelling episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast, hosts Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas engage in an in-depth conversation with Charlie Angus, a revered resistance member and former Member of Parliament. The discussion centers around Canada's staunch resistance against the influence and policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, especially in the context of the impending Canadian federal election.

1. Canada’s Determined Stand Against Trump’s Influence

Charlie Angus opens the discussion by highlighting Canada's unified front in resisting Trump's regime. With the Canadian federal election looming in just ten days, recent debates have underscored the nation's resolve to safeguard its democracy and economy from external threats.

Charlie Angus [00:32]: "Canada is furious. And Canada is having its voice heard... Canadians are letting the world know that they are the front lines of resistance to the Trump regime."

Angus emphasizes that Canadian citizens are actively boycotting American products and tourism, signaling a broader rejection of Trump's policies and influence. This grassroots movement reflects a deep-seated desire to protect Canadian sovereignty and economic stability.

2. Prime Minister Carney’s Bold Stance Against Trump

The podcast delves into the recent debate where Prime Minister Carney, leader of the Liberal Party, explicitly identified Donald Trump as the primary threat to Canada's economy and global standing.

Prime Minister Carney [01:58]: "The biggest risk we have to affordability, the biggest risk we have to this economy is Donald Trump. So first and foremost, we've got to get that right."

Charlie Angus [02:09]: "To think about as an American in a Canadian debate, that that would be the biggest threat. That's where we are right now under the Trump regime."

Carney's declarations go beyond mere criticism, portraying Trump as an existential threat aiming to undermine Canada's economic foundations and autonomy. His rhetoric sets the tone for the Liberal Party's campaign, positioning Canada as a bastion of democracy against external authoritarian influences.

3. The Conservative Party's "Maple MAGA" Playbook

Shifting focus, the conversation examines the Conservative Party's leader, Pierre Poliev, and his adherence to what Angus and the hosts describe as the "Maple MAGA" strategy—mirroring Trump's controversial tactics.

Charlie Angus [03:08]: "Pierre Poliev... is courting the same vote that Trump did. This is straight out of the Trump playbook."

Poliev's recent campaign efforts in Montreal, including his controversial stance on plastic packaging, draw direct parallels to Trump's defeatist and divisive strategies. By invoking trivial issues like bread freshness and plastic bags, Poliev attempts to distract and rally his base, echoing Trump's approach to governance and public discourse.

Pierre Poliev [03:49]: "How long does this bread stay fresh and edible if it's not packaged?..."

Charlie Angus [04:44]: "This is something the conservatives are running on. So I'm expecting a huge turnout."

Angus criticizes Poliev for failing to moderate his rhetoric, thereby alienating moderate voters and reinforcing extremism within the party. This strategy, he argues, is unsustainable and detrimental to Canada's democratic values.

4. The Economic and Social Impact of Trump’s Policies on Canada

The hosts and Angus delve into the tangible effects of Trump's tariffs and aggressive trade policies on Canadian businesses and the broader economy.

Ben [06:12]: "Trump has been allowed to monkey wrench the global economy without anybody stepping in... pushing us towards a major, definitely an American recession, probably a global recession and maybe a depression if he doesn't step back."

The imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods has led to significant disruptions in key industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. Angus points out that the uncertainty and instability caused by these policies have galvanized Canadians to take collective action to protect their economic interests.

Charlie Angus [08:22]: "Pierre Poliev is bringing forward to the Canadian people, along with his idiocy about bread and plastic bags... Canadians understand if you elect this guy, you are electing the fascist regime that is the same of MAGA."

5. Ben’s Insight on the Future of Canadian Economy and Democracy

Ben expands on the potential long-term consequences of continued interference from Trump's administration and the internal challenges posed by the Conservative Party's strategies.

Ben [08:50]: "When you have a Prime Minister... saying he's going to overrule the courts arbitrarily when he feels it he wants to, you are then in the same situation of people being illegally deported to El Salvador."

He warns of the dangers of authoritarianism creeping into Canadian governance, drawing parallels to Trump's tactics of undermining democratic institutions. Ben underscores the importance of maintaining robust checks and balances to preserve Canada's democratic integrity.

6. A Defiant Message to Donald Trump

As the episode draws to a close, Ben delivers a powerful and direct message to Donald Trump, reflecting Canada's unyielding stance.

Ben [11:37]: "Donald Trump, I'm gonna say this once and I might never say it again. I want to thank you for bringing Canada together... we will defend the rule of law, and if you want to continue fighting with us, we will. You are going to lose at the end of the day."

This declaration reinforces Canada's commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and the rule of law, positioning the nation as a resilient and unified front against external threats.

7. Conclusion and Future Outlook

Charlie Angus concludes the discussion by reflecting on the nationwide support for the resistance movement and the expected voter turnout in the upcoming election. The Meiselas brothers express their admiration for Angus's efforts and encourage listeners to stay engaged with the resistance initiatives.

Charlie Angus [12:59]: "Elbows up, elbows up. Everybody hit."

The episode underscores the critical juncture at which Canada finds itself, balancing the preservation of democratic values against external and internal pressures. The MeidasTouch Podcast effectively captures the urgency and determination of Canadian leaders and citizens in safeguarding their nation's future.

Key Takeaways:

• Unified Resistance: Canada is actively resisting Trump's influence through economic boycotts and political mobilization.

• Political Rhetoric: Prime Minister Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poliev represent opposing visions for Canada’s future, with Carney advocating for protection against external threats and Poliev adopting divisive tactics reminiscent of Trump’s playbook.

• Economic Stability: Ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions pose significant risks to Canada’s economy, with potential repercussions extending globally.

• Democratic Integrity: The episode highlights the importance of maintaining robust democratic institutions to prevent authoritarianism.

• Global Implications: Canada's stance serves as a model for other nations facing similar external threats to their sovereignty and democratic institutions.

This episode of The MeidasTouch Podcast offers listeners a thorough exploration of Canada's political landscape amidst external pressures, providing insightful analysis and a steadfast message of resilience and democratic commitment.