Trump Dominates Canada Debate

US President Donald Trump and his threats to slap punishing tariffs on Canada dominated a televised leadership debate Monday as part of the race to become the country's next prime minister.

Former central banker Mark Carney, the frontrunner in the race, is favored by Canadians to deal with Trump on trade and other US bilateral issues, according to polls.

"We have to recognize that the Trump of today, he's not the same Trump he was before," Carney said. "He's more unilateralist, more isolationist, more aggressive."

"He used to want a piece of our markets. Now he wants our country," he said, alluding to Trump's repeated remarks urging Canada to become the 51st US state.

The pause ends next Tuesday, and all eyes are watching to see whether the North American neighbors can come to agreements to avert their implementation, which would snarl supply chains in key sectors such as auto manufacturing.

A second Liberal leadership debate is scheduled for Tuesday.

The ruling party will choose its next leader, who will also become Canada's prime minister, on March 9.