Pierre Poilievre is the first party leader to visit New Brunswick during the federal election campaign.

The Conservative leader made a stop in Saint John on Monday, where he announced plans for a ‘Canada First’ National Energy Corridor.

He also spoke about the ongoing trade war with the United States and how his government would address its challenges if elected.

During his visit, Poilievre outlined his approach to protecting local jobs and businesses from the fallout of such disputes.

“Our goal is to keep people working through this trade dispute. Furthermore, we need to retaliate against the Americans targeting goods we don’t need, can make ourselves, or get elsewhere. So we maximize the impact on them while minimizing the impact on ourselves,” he said.

Poilievre also spoke about how he would present President Trump with a clear choice.

“Either you start a trade war with America’s closest friend and neighbour, which will weaken both our economies, or you knock down the trade barriers so we can trade more as two sovereign nations,” he explained.

His remarks come as the trade war continues to pose economic challenges for Saint John, which heavily relies on trade with the U.S.

Approximately 92 percent of New Brunswick’s exports go across the border, and Saint John is considered one of the most vulnerable cities in Canada.