Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has called a snap election for April 28, just nine days after being sworn in. The decision comes amid an escalating trade war with the United States and controversial remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Canada should become America’s 51st state.
Carney, a Liberal, took office following Justin Trudeau’s resignation and now faces a fierce battle against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose party had led in national polls until recently. The unexpected election call adds to the high stakes, as Canada navigates Trump’s aggressive trade policies, including a 25% tariff on Canadian goods imposed on March 2, partially paused for a month.
Speaking in Ottawa, Carney framed the election as a crucial moment for Canada’s sovereignty, vowing to push back against Trump’s economic measures. “We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump’s unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty,” he declared. The Liberals, previously counted out, now have a chance to secure a fourth consecutive term under Carney.
Carney, 60, an economist and former governor of the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada, is politically untested. However, he has wasted no time asserting his leadership, meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, while also announcing a new Arctic radar system in partnership with Australia. In a key policy shift, he also scrapped Trudeau’s carbon tax, a move expected to play a role in the campaign.
Poilievre, 45, has sought to tie Carney to Trudeau’s tenure, calling the past years a “lost Liberal decade.” He criticized the Liberals for blocking resource development, neglecting military funding, and failing to manage immigration effectively. Poilievre has positioned himself as a defender of Canadian self-reliance, urging action against the economic turmoil caused by Trump’s tariffs.
With the election campaign limited to five weeks, key issues beyond Canada-U.S. relations include the cost of living and economic stability. The New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, and the Bloc Québécois, led by Yves-Francois Blanchet, are also vying for influence.
As Canada braces for a critical vote, the question remains: will Carney’s fresh leadership or Poilievre’s Conservative momentum shape the nation’s future?
