Mark Carney’s Liberals Projected to Win Canada Elections Amid Trump Tensions
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party is projected to secure victory in the federal elections, though it remains unclear if it will achieve a majority, according to CBC News.
The Liberals are expected to win more seats in the 343-member Parliament than the opposition Conservatives, securing Carney a mandate to form the next government. However, early counting trends suggest the possibility of a minority government, meaning the Liberals may require support from smaller parties to govern effectively.
The projections signal a stunning political turnaround for the Liberals, whose fortunes improved after U.S. President Donald Trump’s annexation threats and trade war rhetoric triggered a nationalist backlash across Canada.
Trump’s recent comments, including suggestions that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, provoked widespread anger among Canadian voters, significantly boosting Liberal support. In a social media post, Trump reiterated his stance, stating that Canada would benefit from economic prosperity if it joined the U.S.
“Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom to cut your taxes in half, increase your military power, for free,” Trump wrote, referring to his controversial proposal.
The backlash unified Canadians across political lines, allowing Mark Carney — a former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England — to capitalize on patriotic sentiment.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre had positioned the election as a referendum on former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, focusing on domestic issues like the cost of living and immigration. However, the nationalist wave following Trump’s intervention shifted voter priorities.
Despite efforts to highlight Liberal missteps under Trudeau, the Conservative campaign struggled to regain momentum once Carney assumed leadership and distanced the party from past controversies.
Polling stations across Canada witnessed strong voter turnout, with 7.3 million Canadians casting ballots in advance polls, according to Elections Canada. In total, 28.9 million people were eligible to vote.
Canada’s “first-past-the-post” system means that winning more districts, rather than the national vote share, is crucial to forming the government. Early results show the Liberals narrowly ahead in key battleground provinces.
Mark Carney’s rise marks a rare transition from a financial technocrat to a national political leader. After taking over the Liberal Party leadership from Justin Trudeau earlier this year, Carney emphasized economic stability, national unity, and Canada’s sovereignty amid external pressures.
His non-political background and calm demeanor during the U.S.-Canada tensions endeared him to voters seeking steady leadership.
Final results are expected in the coming hours. If the Liberals fall short of a majority, coalition talks with the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Bloc Québécois could follow. Carney is expected to deliver a victory speech once official results are confirmed.
Meanwhile, international observers are closely watching Canada’s political trajectory as it navigates strained relations with its southern neighbor.
