Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre launched the unofficial start of his election campaign with a pledge to cut taxes, approve energy and mining projects and install military surveillance at the Canada-U.S. border. (The Logic)

Talking point: Poilievre put some meat on the bones of policy promises he says will be part of his election platform in an hour-long speech delivered at a rally in Ottawa Saturday. His policies remain consistent with promises he’s made for years, including his plan to “axe” the carbon tax, but he framed them in the context of his “Canada First” response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Canada’s economy and sovereignty. He’s also promised to cut the public service and foreign aid. Liberal leadership contenders Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland have accused Poilievre of mimicking Trump which they say makes him the wrong person to stand up to the U.S. president.