TORONTO, Canada — Mark Carney’s Liberal Party emerged victorious in Canada’s federal election on Monday, overcoming an initial outlook that suggested a crushing defeat. Fueled by rising nationalism in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and trade policies, the Liberals are projected to secure more seats in Parliament than their Conservative opponents.
As the results began to roll in, the Liberals remained uncertain whether they would achieve the 172 seats necessary for an outright majority or need to collaborate with smaller parties. The campaign took a sharp turn in the weeks leading to the election, when Trump’s comments—specifically suggesting Canada should join the U.S. as its 51st state—galvanized Canadian voters. Many felt that his attacks on the economy and sovereignty sparked a rallying cry for the Liberal Party.
David Lametti, a former Justice Minister, celebrated the unexpected turnaround, attributing much of the success to Carney’s leadership. “We were dead and buried in December. Now we are going to form a government,” he expressed in a post-election interview.
The path to this election was fraught with challenges. About a year prior, the Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre, sought to leverage discontent with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. However, Carney’s ascension to leadership came at a pivotal moment, further aided by Trudeau’s resignation amid declining popularity linked to rising living costs.
On the day of the election, Canadians were reminded of the tension with the U.S. as Trump engaged on social media, reiterating his divisive claims. His remarks were especially pointed given the backdrop of a tragic incident at a street festival in Vancouver over the weekend, highlighting that not all was well domestically.
The electoral climate was marked by a record turnout, with 7.3 million Canadians casting their votes prior to Election Day. This heightened engagement was further fueled by a palpable backlash against U.S. policies, with many Canadians choosing to forgo vacations to the U.S. and reevaluate purchasing American goods.
In the lead-up to the election, Carney emphasized the risks posed by Trump’s administration, stating, “Those aren’t just words. That’s what’s at risk.” Poilievre, aiming for a change, encouraged voters to engage, but his strategy was criticized as resembling a “Trump-lite” approach that may not have resonated with the electorate. Some voters, like Toronto resident Reid Warren, expressed concerns over the parallels between Poilievre and Trump.
Political analyst Robert Bothwell noted that Poilievre’s campaign strategies echoed Trump’s grievances but ultimately did not win over voters. “The Liberals ought to pay him,” he quipped, suggesting that Trump may have inadvertently aided the Liberal cause.
While the party celebrates its fourth consecutive term, significant obstacles lie ahead. Without a parliamentary majority, the Liberals might need to rely on the separatist Bloc Québécois to govern effectively. This situation reflects the shifting dynamics within Canadian politics, where foreign policy and national identity have become increasingly intertwined in electoral discourse.
Looking ahead, Carney faces a daunting economic landscape marked by a cost-of-living crisis and potential repercussions from U.S. tariffs, which threaten more than 75% of Canada’s exports. His campaign promises included targeted relief for Canadians affected by trade issues and a commitment to enhancing federal services.
With the outcome of the election poised to reshape Canada’s political landscape, Carney’s victory may be seen not just as a win for the Liberal Party, but as a response against foreign pressures, setting the stage for new governance in a challenging global landscape.