Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap federal election for April 28, citing a need for a fresh mandate to counter what he describes as a serious threat from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking from Ottawa on Sunday, Carney accused Trump of trying to undermine Canadian sovereignty, saying, “He wants to break us so America can own us.” The move signals a sharp shift in tone from Carney, who initially expressed willingness to work with Trump upon taking office on March 14.
Carney, a former central banker with no prior electoral experience, took over the Liberal leadership just two weeks ago. Since then, his party has experienced a surge in public support, narrowing the gap with the opposition Conservatives. Two new polls put the Liberals slightly ahead, with 42% support compared to the Conservatives’ 37-39%.
Trump’s aggressive trade actions—including new tariffs and provocative remarks about Canada’s legitimacy as a country—have dominated political discourse. Carney said the snap election is necessary to build a stronger economy and protect Canadian independence.
The campaign is expected to be intense, especially with Carney’s lack of political experience under the spotlight. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, a seasoned politician and fluent French speaker, is likely to lean on Carney’s gaffes, including a recent press conference slip-up where Carney struggled to respond in French.
Despite these challenges, experts believe the campaign will hinge less on traditional politics and more on leadership in a time of international tension.