Canada’s Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, is set to capture the federal election, as forecasted by Canadian news organizations. Media reports predicted the Liberals would hold enough seats to create their fourth successive government. While counting of votes continues, CBC News cited it remains to be seen whether the Liberals would win a minority or a majority government, the latter needing 172 seats.
Mark Carney, the ex-central banker, has led a broad anti-Trump movement during his campaign following his landslide victory in the party leadership last month. He replaced Justin Trudeau, who had stepped down amidst political turbulence. Under his leadership, Carney has focused on protecting Canada’s sovereignty against US President Donald Trump’s transgressions, such as economic tariffs and inflammatory speeches.
The polls are now closed.
For 37 days, in every corner of this country, our team worked to build a stronger Canada.
Thank you to everyone who put so much into this campaign. pic.twitter.com/1Xj0R1B094
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 29, 2025
“I reject any attempts to weaken Canada, to wear us down, to break us so that America can own us,” Carney said in March. “We are masters in our own home.”
Trump’s Tariffs Shift the Political Landscape
At first, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre seemed set for victory following Trudeau’s resignation amid discontent over a cost-of-living crisis and Liberal Party instability. Trump’s surprise imposition of high tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, autos, and timber, as well as threats to annex Canada as the “51st state,” radically transformed campaign dynamics.
These events energized Canadian voters, with polls narrowing dramatically in the last week. While Poilievre maintained that Carney was not able to bring about the change Canadians desired, Carney’s relentless advocacy for Canadian sovereignty resonated with the masses.
Carney’s extensive experience in international finance — ranging from steering Canada through the 2008 financial crisis to leading Britain through Brexit as Governor of the Bank of England — has been at the heart of his popularity. His knowledge of global markets and economic institutions made him a reassuring presence in times of uncertainty.
“I understand how the world works,” Carney explained to podcaster Nate Erskine-Smith in October. “I know people who run some of the world’s largest companies and understand how they work. I know how financial institutions work. I know how markets work … I’m trying to apply that to the benefit of Canada.”
Prioritize Economic Independence and New Alliances
Mark Carney has cautioned Canadians of “tough days ahead,” referencing the actual effect of US tariffs on businesses and jobs. But he promised an ambitious agenda to restore homegrown industries and wean Canada off the US economy.
“My solemn promise is to stand up for Canadian workers, to stand up for Canadian businesses,” he said in March. “We will stand up for our history, our values and our sovereignty.”
Carney’s agenda involves constructing new houses, factories, and investing in clean and traditional energy sources. His focus has been on establishing a strong Canadian economy that is less exposed to the shocks of external factors.
While the tensions continue, Carney has not shut the door to conversation with Trump but is working to solidify ties with European allies. His initial foreign trip as prime minister was to Europe, where he met with French and British leaders to talk about bolstering military, security, and economic alliances.
Analysts believe that Carney’s combination of financial expertise and steady leadership positions him to navigate Canada through an intensifying trade war.
“In a crisis it’s important to come together and it’s essential to act with purpose and with force. And that’s what we will do,” Carney asserted last month.
With the last votes being tallied, Carney’s anticipated win is a new era for Canada — one of resilience, sovereignty, and a strong stand against US aggression.
