Mark Carney to Contest Ottawa Seat as Canada Heads for Early Election Amid Trade Tensions with U.S.

Ottawa, March 23, 2025 – Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced his candidacy for a parliamentary seat in Nepean, Ottawa, as the country heads for an early general election on April 28. The election, triggered just weeks after Carney took office, comes amid a growing trade dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has imposed steep tariffs on Canadian exports.

Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader on March 9 and was sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister on March 14, emphasized the need for a clear mandate during a period of economic uncertainty. The upcoming election will determine the control of the 343-seat House of Commons, with the winning party or coalition forming the next government.

Trump’s 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, along with threats of broader trade restrictions, have reshaped the political landscape. The U.S. president has even suggested Canada should become America’s 51st state, a remark that has sparked widespread nationalist sentiment among Canadians. The unexpected surge in patriotic fervor has given the Liberal Party a potential advantage heading into the election.

The opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, were initially poised for a major victory, capitalizing on voter frustration over high food and housing costs, as well as increased immigration. However, Trump’s aggressive stance on trade and sovereignty has shifted the political conversation. Poilievre, a vocal populist, has framed his campaign around a “Canada First” agenda and has been critical of mainstream media, pledging to defund Canada’s public broadcaster.

Carney, an economist with experience leading both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has yet to secure a call with Trump. The U.S. president has previously mocked Trudeau but has not yet publicly addressed Carney’s leadership.

With only 37 days of campaigning before election day, Canadians are bracing for a high-stakes vote that will determine not just their domestic policies, but also the future of Canada-U.S. relations.