Mark Carney Sparks Tension in Election Debate, Says China Is Canada’s Greatest Security Risk

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney shook up the political scene at the last English-language debate in Montreal by referring to China as the “biggest security threat” to Canada. Carney said it spontaneously on Thursday evening, “I think the biggest security threat to Canada is China.”

This blunt warning is only ten days before the April 28 federal election and marks a change in Canada’s strategic direction under Carney’s stewardship.

Mark Carney Stresses New Direction Towards the US

Mark Carney also touched on the changing dynamic between Canada and the United States, saying that relations with Washington had “fundamentally changed.” He went on, “Dealing effectively with Washington has to be from a position of strength.” His words capture the tone of the ruling Liberal Party as tensions rise with US President Donald Trump, whose bombastic style has ironically provided a political boost to Carney’s leadership.

Observers have pointed out that concerns over Trump’s foreign policy have lifted the Liberals’ popularity to more than 40%, putting the party within striking distance of a possible majority in the House of Commons.

Conservatives Push Back Over Economic Crisis

At the same time, opposition Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre intensified his attack on local issues, particularly increasing living expenses. He blamed the Liberals for the crisis due to a decade of leadership and cautioned voters against giving a “fourth Liberal term.

Poilievre also referred to the record of previous Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose last few months in power were marked by a precipitous decline in popularity. At one stage, the Conservatives under his leadership led by almost 20%.

Mark Carney Announces Independence from Trudeau’s Legacy

Following Trudeau’s announcement to resign in January and formal exit in March, Carney has attempted to carve out his own identity. “I’m a very different person from Justin Trudeau,” he said during the debate, aiming to create a clear distinction between his leadership and that of his predecessor.

Foreign Interference, India Get Brief Mentions

While foreign interference has been a recurring issue in Canadian politics, particularly after a commission report in January, the topic did not come up much during Thursday’s debate. India was mentioned briefly in the context of LNG exports during Wednesday’s French-language debate by Poilievre.

With early voting beginning Friday, the April 28 election is a turning point for Canada’s political path.