Carney’s Liberals Clinch Canadian Election Amid Trump Tensions
Media outlets project the party to form the next government, though it remains uncertain whether they will secure a parliamentary majority.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party retained power in Monday’s federal election but fell short of winning a majority government, complicating efforts to negotiate tariffs with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Liberals were leading or elected in 164 seats, just shy of the 172 needed for a majority in the 343-seat House of Commons. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre conceded defeat and pledged to hold the minority Liberal government accountable.
The election outcome was shaped by a combination of factors, including widespread opposition to the Conservatives, the impact of Trump’s aggressive tariff policies, and the departure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose resignation allowed Carney to consolidate left-of-centre and traditional Liberal voters.
Carney, a former central bank governor with no prior elected office experience, campaigned on a tough stance against Trump’s tariffs and threats to Canadian sovereignty, emphasizing the need to reduce Canada’s economic dependence on the U.S.
Despite the Liberals’ victory, the Conservatives showed unexpected strength, particularly in urban areas such as Toronto, preventing Carney from securing a majority. Smaller parties, including the New Democratic Party and the Bloc Québécois, also influenced the balance of power, with some of their supporters shifting to the Liberals amid rising patriotism fueled by Trump’s repeated threats to annexe Canada.
Carney’s campaign capitalized on this surge of national pride and positioned him as the best leader to navigate the economic challenges posed by the U.S. administration. However, minority governments in Canada have historically lasted less than three years, meaning Carney will need to negotiate with other parties to pass legislation.
The election marks a dramatic comeback for the Liberals, who were trailing by 20 points in early polls this year before Trudeau’s resignation and Trump’s tariff threats reshaped the political landscape. With votes still being counted, the final seat distribution remains uncertain, but Carney’s Liberals are set to form the next government, continuing their unprecedented fourth consecutive term in office.
