Liberal Party Secures Victory in Canada Amid Trade War Tensions with Trump

Canada’s governing Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has won national elections dominated by United States President Donald Trump’s trade war and annexation threats. Carney, a career economist and banker, portrayed himself as a defender of Canadian sovereignty in the face of U.S. pressures. This victory marks a remarkable turnaround for the Liberals, who were recently predicted to suffer a heavy defeat to the Conservative Party. Having only taken office in March, Carney emphasized the need to "stand up for Canada" and "build Canada strong" following the election results.

In his victory speech, Carney warned of challenging times ahead and urged Canadians to support each other, emphasizing that sacrifices would be necessary but shared. He called on citizens to remember the lessons of what he termed the "American betrayal."

Although the Liberals are poised to win the most seats in the 343-member House of Commons, it remains uncertain whether they will secure a majority government. As of late Monday, the Liberals were projected to win at least 165 seats, while the Conservatives, under Pierre Poilievre, were expected to win at least 147 seats, according to the CBC. In 2015, the Liberals last won a parliamentary majority and subsequently had to rely on the left-leaning New Democratic Party to pass legislation after narrowly winning 160 seats in the 2021 election.

The result signifies a major comeback for the centre-left Liberals, who just months ago trailed the Conservatives by over 20 points in polls. Pierre Poilievre had hoped to capitalize on voter dissatisfaction with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was blamed for increased living costs and record immigration levels. However, Trump’s return to the White House ignited patriotic sentiment in Canada, which significantly boosted Liberal fortunes.

The Conservatives' long-standing advantage disappeared swiftly after Carney succeeded Trudeau, becoming the central figure in addressing rising tensions between Ottawa and Washington. By election day, the Liberals were polling strongly ahead.

In his concession speech, Poilievre pledged to work with the government on defending Canada's interests, emphasizing a commitment to a new trade deal to remove tariffs while safeguarding Canadian sovereignty. Throughout his campaign, Carney highlighted his financial credentials, having previously led the central banks of both Canada and the United Kingdom, and vigorously pushed back against Trump’s trade threats and suggestions that Canada become the 51st U.S. state.

Carney, during a final appeal to voters, stated that the traditional U.S.-Canada relationship was effectively over, describing the end of America's global economic leadership as a tragedy and a new reality Canadians must confront. He vowed to fight Trump’s counter-tariffs with Canada’s own measures, designed to hurt the U.S. economy while minimizing damage to Canada.

Meanwhile, on election day, Trump reiterated his proposal that Canada join the U.S. as a state, promising economic benefits like tax cuts, military enhancements, and industrial growth without tariffs or taxes. Posting on Truth Social, he called for Canadians to elect leadership that would accept his vision.

A record number of Canadians participated in the election, with nearly 29 million eligible voters and 7.3 million casting ballots early, marking the highest advance voting turnout ever recorded.