As U.S. tariffs continue to roil global markets Monday, federal Liberal Leader Mark Carney warned of tough times ahead, but also said that Canada is prepared.

"We have been taking steps and we are continuing to take steps to protect Canadians," he said. He added that the reactions of the market were entirely predictable, adding that the likelihood of a recession in the U.S. has gone up "significantly."

While Canada cannot control the actions of the U.S., Canada has taken steps to protect the Canadian economy. But he also acknowledged that such a recession in the U.S. will have significant and unavoidable effects in Canada.

Carney made these comments in the Greater Victoria community of Saanichton in the riding of Saanich-Gulf Islands, where voters elected federal Green Party Leader Elizabeth May in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2021.

Carney's stop was the second time in less than 24 hours in a B.C. riding not held by his party. He underscored his outreach to Green voters by announcing that a future government would open new 10 new national parks and marine conservation areas along with 15 new national urban parks.

Carney had started his campaign swing through B.C. by rallying Sunday night in the riding of Victoria held by New Democrat Laurel Collins. Carney also touched on a number of trade related issues after the US Commerce had announced that it plans to raise softwood lumber duties to almost 35 per cent. 

He met with Premier David Eby at the legislature Monday morning.

Carney said the softwood lumber issue is top of mind for him and promised specific protections for B.C. workers in the industry.

More to come.