Calgary (Rajeev Sharma): Canada’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has called for a snap election, set for April 28, after dissolving Parliament, Al Jazeera reported on Sunday. This move comes less than two weeks after Carney succeeded Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister.
In a statement, Carney emphasized the need for a strong mandate to address the ongoing trade tensions with the United States, which have been exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s actions. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa after meeting with Governor-General Mary Simon, Carney expressed that Canada is facing “the most significant crisis of our lifetimes” due to Trump’s “unjustified trade actions” and his threats to Canadian sovereignty.
“I’m asking Canadians for a strong, positive mandate to confront President Trump and to create a new Canadian economy that works for everyone,” Carney said, stressing the urgent need for “big change, positive change.”
While the election was originally scheduled for October 20, political analysts believe Carney’s Liberal Party is eager to capitalize on its momentum. Recent polling shows the Liberals in a tight race with the opposition Conservatives. Since Trudeau announced in January that he would step down amid mounting pressures from Trump, the Liberal Party has seen a surge in public support. Many Canadians have rallied behind the government’s firm stance in the face of US threats, including tariffs and Trump’s suggestion to annex Canada.
Despite years of criticism over rising housing costs and an affordability crisis, the Liberals are now in a neck-and-neck battle with the Conservatives, according to recent polling.
Meanwhile, President Trump has reiterated his desire to make Canada the “51st state” and imposed harsh tariffs on Canadian goods, which economists warn could potentially push Canada into a recession.
Carney, a former central banker and economist, currently enjoys the highest approval ratings among federal party leaders, according to a recent Ipsos poll. Canadians view him as the best leader to handle the economic challenges posed by Trump’s trade policies. Carney has vowed to continue the firm response to the US, including implementing reciprocal countermeasures. He also rejected Trump’s annexation proposal, calling it “crazy” and reiterating that Canadian sovereignty must be respected before any talks with Washington can take place.
