Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap election for April 28, 2025, as the country grapples with escalating tensions with the United States. Carney, who took office nine days ago after Justin Trudeau’s resignation, faces a decisive challenge from Conservative Leader Pierre Poiliveau, who has led national elections since mid-2023.
At the heart of the election are the ongoing trade war with the United States and President Donald Trump’s controversial calls to make Canada the 51st American state. Speaking in Ottawa on Sunday, Carney stressed that Canada’s sovereignty is at stake and warned of the deep economic instability caused by Trump’s tariffs. “We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump’s unfair trade policies,” Carney said.
Under Carney’s leadership, the Liberals, once considered unlikely contenders, now have a chance to win a fourth consecutive term in government. Carney, 60, a former central banker with no previous parliamentary experience, has made notable strides in foreign diplomacy, including recent trips to the United Kingdom and France. His policies have already diverged from Trudeau’s, including reversing an unpopular carbon tax.
Poilivre, 45, has sought to link Carney’s government to the failures of Trudeau’s tenure, calling it a “lost liberal decade” and accusing the party of economic mismanagement. He has positioned himself as a strong alternative, calling for stronger action to counter Trump’s tariffs.
The trade war escalated in March when Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel. Canada retaliated by imposing tariffs on $42 billion worth of U.S. goods. As more tariffs are expected, both leaders have vowed to respond forcefully, but Carney acknowledged the limitations of Canada’s response due to the disparity in the two countries’ economies.
As the election heats up, other parties are also vying for votes. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has criticized both Carney and Poilivre, accusing them of favoring the wealthy over ordinary Canadians. Under Yves-François Blanchett, the Bloc Québécois has focused on regional issues, particularly the impact of Trump’s tariffs on Quebec’s industries.
With only five weeks left in the campaign, issues of sovereignty, the economy and the cost of living are expected to dominate. The election could reshape Canada’s political future as the country faces its most significant challenge in decades.
Election Snapshot:
- Liberals: 153 seats
- Conservatives: 120 seats
- Bloc Québécois: 33 seats
- NDP: 24 seats
- Green Party: 2 seats
