Canada’s Liberal Party Wins Election Dominated by Trump’s Trade War

Tuesday 29 April 2025 - 08:07

By: Zahouani Ilham

Canada’s Liberal Party Wins Election Dominated by Trump’s Trade War

Canada’s Liberal Party has secured a fourth consecutive term in an election shaped by escalating trade tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump. Prime Minister Mark Carney, a former economist and banker who assumed office in March, positioned himself as a defender of Canadian interests against Trump's trade war and veiled threats of annexation.

Carney, a political newcomer before becoming prime minister, framed the election as a turning point to protect national sovereignty and strengthen the country. In his victory speech, he urged Canadians to stay united and prepare for shared economic challenges, warning against forgetting the impact of what he termed “American betrayal.”

While the Liberals clinched the most seats in the 343-member House of Commons, it remains unclear whether they will govern with a majority or require support from smaller parties. Projections from CBC suggest the Liberals are set to win at least 165 seats, while Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives trail with around 147.

This result marks a dramatic recovery for the Liberals, who lagged far behind the Conservatives in polls just months earlier. The tide turned after Carney succeeded former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose popularity had declined due to economic hardships and surging immigration. Trump's renewed threats and calls for Canada to join the US as a 51st state sparked a surge of nationalism that rallied voters behind the Liberals.

Throughout the campaign, Carney highlighted his international financial leadership and took a firm stance against Trump’s economic pressure, including implementing retaliatory tariffs designed to minimize harm to Canadians while hitting the US economy hard.

In his concession speech, Poilievre emphasized a commitment to collaborate with the government to protect Canadian interests and negotiate a fair new trade agreement.

Carney concluded the campaign by acknowledging a changed reality in Canada-US relations. “The era of America leading the global economy is over,” he said, urging Canadians to face this “tragedy” head-on with resilience and resolve.

Meanwhile, Trump reiterated his controversial stance on Canadian statehood, claiming it would eliminate tariffs and bring prosperity a message that drew sharp criticism from Canadian leaders.

Over 29 million Canadians were eligible to vote in this historic election, with a record 7.3 million casting early ballots.