Canada’s incumbent Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has led the Liberal Party to a likely victory in the federal elections, Canadian networks CTV and CBC report. Based on the latest tallies, the Liberals have won 166 seats and Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives have won 146 seats. Yves-François Blanchet’s Bloc Québécois has won 23 seats, while Jagmeet Singh’s NDP has won 7 seats.
Despite never having served in Parliament before—a first in Canadian political history—Carney convinced voters that his experience in managing global financial crises made him the best candidate to lead Canada through turbulent times. “I’m most useful in a crisis,” he said during the campaign.
I congratulate Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party on their success in Canada’s election. I’m confident Mark will be a strong leader for the fundamental values and interests Canadians and Americans share.
— Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) April 29, 2025
Born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and brought up in Edmonton, Mark Carney, aged 60, was educated at Harvard and Oxford before going on to have a distinguished career in international finance with Goldman Sachs. His crisis leadership in the 2008 financial crisis as the Bank of Canada Governor, and subsequently as the first non-Briton to become the head of the Bank of England through the post-Brexit chaos, demonstrated his ability to manage crises.
Upon returning to Canada, Carney entered politics after Justin Trudeau’s resignation. While usually termed as a technocrat with a cool temper, Carney’s blunt opposition to US President Donald Trump’s combative trade threats struck a chord in Canadian voters. His capacity to convey measured authority and economic knowledge was crucial as Canadians struggled with the meaning of Trump’s taunts.
Mark Carney Wins Ottawa Seat Amid Liberal Government Projections
Mark Carney kept his seat in parliament in Ottawa and is set to remain as the sitting Prime Minister. Even though the Liberals are set to win more seats than the Conservatives, it is not certain that they will win a majority. A party requires 172 seats to have a majority government in Canada’s 343-seat Parliament.
Carney’s calm leadership and promises of economic resilience against US pressure became the defining themes of his campaign. Facing scrutiny over his wealth and tax arrangements, Carney emphasized transparency and commitment to public service. “I’ve stood up for Canada,” he insisted. “I left the private sector to serve in a time of crisis.”
Trump Threats Dominate Campaign Narrative
The federal election came on the heels of renewed threats from US President Donald Trump, who again toyed with the idea of annexing Canada and slapped high tariffs on Canadian products. These belligerent actions made the defense of Canada’s sovereignty a central campaign issue.
Carney spoke directly to these fears, stating, “They want our resources, our water, our land—our country. They can’t have it.” His forceful words and commitment to diversify Canada’s trade beyond the United States resonated with patriotic voters concerned about American expansion.
The resignation of Justin Trudeau opened a window for Carney to rewrite the agenda of the Liberals. Standing back from the policies of Trudeau, Carney cancelled the unpopolar carbon tax and pledged increased economic growth aimed at bolstering Canadian industries.
Experts say that Carney’s experience as a veteran economic strategist and his calm yet resolute style of leadership served to steer the Liberals back into favor, particularly as concerns among the public regarding Trump’s aggressive rhetoric escalated.
With the crisis, with the need, it’s always necessary to bring people together, and it is necessary to be purposeful, to be strong. And we will do so,” Carney stated earlier this month, acting as the catalyst Canada requires amid uncertain times.
