William Crooks
Liberal leadership hopeful Chrystia Freeland speaks to reporters in the Butler family’s dairy barn in Waterville on Feb. 19, highlighting her support for Canada’s agricultural sector and supply management system while addressing threats from the U.S. under Donald Trump. Local MP Marie-Claude Bibeau backed Freeland’s leadership bid at the event.
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.”
Infrastructure and economic development
Freeland was asked about the Trudeau government’s recently announced high-speed rail project and whether she would follow through if elected. “I think it’s a great project. We need to be building more infrastructure and improving connections between cities,” she said.
She also addressed economic concerns in the region, acknowledging job losses in manufacturing and challenges faced by businesses along the U.S. border. “I spoke with local business leaders and farmers last night. People here feel the pressure of economic uncertainty. I understand that, and I want to ensure they have a strong advocate in government.”
Marie-Claude Bibeau backs Freeland
Compton-Stanstead MP and former agriculture and agri-food minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, who is not seeking re-election, was also present and explained why she is backing Freeland’s leadership bid. “This wasn’t my original plan. I had intended to step back from federal politics and focus on municipal issues,” Bibeau said. “But I believe the stakes are too high. The idea of a Trump-Poilievre duo is a disaster waiting to happen. Quebec, and especially rural regions, cannot afford that.”
Bibeau cited Freeland’s understanding of agricultural issues and her record of standing up to Trump as key reasons for her support. “She knows what it means to defend our farmers. She has the experience, the determination, and the backbone we need right now.”
As Freeland continues her leadership campaign, she is presenting herself as a strong defender of Canada’s economic interests, particularly in agriculture and trade. With ongoing concerns about supply management, infrastructure investment, and international relations, her visit to Waterville served as an opportunity to connect with rural voters and reinforce her priorities ahead of the leadership race.