Liberal party leader responds to auto tariffs during campaign stop in Kitchener, Ont.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney made a campaign stop in Kitchener. CTV’s Colton Wiens reports.

Federal Liberal Party Leader Mark Carney took aim at U.S. President Donald Trump’s vow to push ahead with 25 per cent tariffs on the auto industry at a campaign stop at Bingeman’s in Kitchener on Wednesday night.

In front of a crowd of more than 1,000 supporters, Carney wasted no time in his speech, getting right to the trade war with the United States.

“We know we’ve got some issues with our American neighbors. No longer friends,” Carney said.

“What we’re facing now, though, is the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump’s unjustified tariffs and his threats to our sovereignty,” Carney said.

Carney promised, if elected, his government would make protecting Canadian workers a priority.

“He escalated his attacks. That’s what these tariffs are. They are attacks on Canada. But they are attacks on our workers. Now, I was clear this morning when I was in Windsor. Let me be clear again, here in K-W, we will protect our workers. We will protect our auto industry,” Carney said.

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Trump’s tariffs top of mind

Many in attendance told CTV News the trade war is also a prime concern for them this election.

“Probably one of the most important elections in a long time. Driving here we were listening to Trump just announce the latest car tariffs. It’s just going to cause disasters. We need somebody that’s a manager, that understands business and understands how to organize people and understands how to finance,” James Akeroyd, a Liberal supporter said.

“Oh my God. This is the most important election,” Tara Mondou, another Liberal supporter said. “Obviously, it’s dealing with Donald Trump. It’s dealing with the tariffs. It’s dealing with I think the economy. I think the idea that Mark Carney wants to be more centered, I think that’s kind of where we need to all come together. I think we have to stop being so divided in this country. We need to be proud of our country,”

Like many political rallies, the evening also featured an unscripted moment.

The crowd yelled “Out, out!‘” after a heckler shouted out at Carney while he was on stage. The person responsible was removed from the room by security.

After the person was removed, Carney described the outburst as the politics of division and conspiracy theories.

At this point it’s not clear when any of the other federal party leaders will be visiting the Region of Waterloo.