Mark Carney Calls Federal Election Amidst Trade Tensions with U.S.
Ottawa, The Gulf Observer: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a federal election, setting the stage for a highly anticipated political contest against Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. The election, scheduled for April 28, follows Carney’s meeting with Governor-General Mary Simon on Sunday, during which he requested the dissolution of Parliament.
“I’m asking Canadians for a strong, positive mandate to deal with President [Donald] Trump and to build a new Canadian economy that works for everyone because I know we need change,” Carney stated, referencing the ongoing trade dispute with the United States.
Carney assumed leadership of the Liberal Party and the prime ministership following the resignation of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, in January amid declining poll numbers and internal party dissent. While the Conservatives had maintained a lead in polls for months, the Liberal Party has seen a resurgence in support in light of escalating trade tensions and Trump’s remarks on Canadian sovereignty.
“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 said. “President Trump claims that Canada isn’t a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen.”
Poilievre, launching his campaign with a “Canada First” message, has criticized Carney’s leadership credentials, highlighting his past roles as an economic adviser and governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. “Today, the Liberals are asking for a fourth term in power after swapping Justin Trudeau for his economic adviser and handpicked successor, Mark Carney,” Poilievre stated.
When asked about his approach to U.S.-Canada relations, Poilievre asserted his commitment to safeguarding Canada’s independence. “I will strengthen our country so that we can be capable of standing on our own two feet and standing up to the Americans where and when necessary,” he said.
Carney, in turn, accused Poilievre of echoing Trump’s policies, particularly regarding proposed cuts to foreign aid. The prime minister warned that Canada’s Conservatives align with the Trump administration “in language and intent.”
Carney, who was sworn in as prime minister in March, has emphasized his financial expertise as a key asset in navigating economic uncertainty. Outlining his vision for Canada’s economic future, he announced plans to eliminate internal trade barriers, implement a middle-class tax cut for dual-income families, and diversify Canada’s trade partnerships to reduce reliance on the United States.
“We must act dramatically and act rapidly to build an economy that’s strong for Canada,” Carney declared. “We will control what we can control.”
With the election date set, Canadians now face a critical decision on the country’s future leadership amid economic challenges and shifting global alliances.
