Ottawa, Canada — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a snap federal election for April 28, citing the urgent need for a strong mandate to counter U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods.
Speaking from Ottawa on Sunday, Carney justified the early election, which was initially scheduled for October 20, by emphasizing the economic and sovereignty challenges posed by the Trump administration’s trade policies. “We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump’s unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty,” Carney declared.
The prime minister accused Trump of attempting to undermine Canada’s independence, stating, “He wants to break us so America will own us. We will not let that happen.” He described the upcoming vote as “one of the most consequential in our lifetimes”, urging Canadians to unite against external pressure.
Carney, who assumed office just nine days ago following the departure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, said his government’s priority would be to protect farmers and businesses affected by the growing trade tensions with the United States.
Despite his lack of political experience, Carney, a former Governor of the Bank of England, has positioned himself as the most capable leader to navigate the economic turmoil triggered by Trump’s trade policies.
Earlier this month, Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canada’s steel and aluminium industries and has threatened to extend those tariffs to all Canadian exports starting April 2. The U.S. president has also publicly ridiculed Canada, referring to it as “the 51st state.”
The escalating trade dispute appears to have strengthened support for Carney’s Liberal Party, which was previously on track for a historic defeat in the upcoming election. However, recent polls indicate a significant shift, showing that the Liberals have closed the 25-point gap that separated them from the Conservative Party before the trade conflict.
As the election campaign begins, Carney is expected to focus on economic resilience and national sovereignty, framing the vote as a decisive moment for Canada’s future in the face of external pressures from the United States.
