Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap election for April 28, saying he needs a strong public mandate to confront growing threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he accused of trying to “break” Canada.
Carney, sworn in just over a week ago, made the announcement on Sunday after receiving approval from the Governor General, King Charles’ representative in Canada.
“We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes,” Carney told reporters, citing Trump’s trade tariffs and his provocative comments suggesting Canada could be annexed as the 51st U.S. state.
“President Trump claims that Canada isn't a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen,” Carney declared.
A former central banker with no prior campaign experience, Carney took over the Liberal Party leadership two weeks ago, replacing Justin Trudeau, who stepped down earlier this year. Since then, Liberal support has rebounded in national polls.
An Angus Reid poll published Monday put the Liberals at 42%, ahead of the opposition Conservatives at 37%. A separate Leger poll showed similar momentum, with Liberals at 42% and Conservatives at 39%.
Analysts say the focus of the election has shifted from internal politics to leadership under external pressure.
“This election is now much more about leadership,” said Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs. “Trump’s pressure has changed the stakes.”
Despite the momentum, Carney faces several hurdles. Conservatives have accused him of elitism, questioned the transparency of his blind trust, and criticised him for continuing Trudeau-era spending policies.
Carney’s temperament came under scrutiny last week after he snapped at a reporter’s question about his finances, accusing them of “conflict and ill will.”
He also stumbled during a press event in Quebec, struggling to respond in French—a weakness the Conservatives may exploit. Their leader Pierre Poilievre is a fluent French speaker and seasoned political campaigner.
Still, political experts say Trump’s presence in the background may shift voters’ priorities.
“Carney’s inexperience might matter less because of the external pressure from Trump,” said Laura Stephenson, a political science professor. “Voters may give him more grace than usual.”
Carney now has five weeks to convince Canadians he’s the leader to stand up to Trump—and protect Canada’s independence.
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