Canada’s potential future Prime Minister Mark Carney and the opponent from the Conservative party have officially begun their election campaigns amidst a backdrop of a trade disagreement and threats of annexation from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Carney announced there will be a five-week election campaign before the vote on April 28.
Initially, the governing Liberals were facing the possibility of a significant loss in the upcoming election. However, this changed dramatically when Trump initiated a trade dispute. Trump has been vocal about his opinion that Canada should consider becoming the 51st state of the United States. He also acknowledged that his actions have greatly influenced Canadian politics.
Trump’s frequent criticisms of Canada’s independence have stirred strong emotions among Canadians. Consequently, there has been a notable increase in Canadian patriotism, reflected in improved poll ratings for the Liberal party.
Canada’s governing Liberals were poised for a historic election defeat this year until U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on Canadian goods. (Donald Trump/Truth Social)
Poilievre said he will stand up to Trump but Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, a conservative ally, said in an interview Poilievre would be “very much in sync” with the “new direction in America.”
“I will insist the president recognizes the independence and sovereignty of Canada. I will insist he stops tariffing our nation,” Poilievre said as he launched his campaign.
Poilievre said he doesn’t respect “the treatment that he has meted out to our country.”
“I know a lot of people are worried, angry and anxious. And with good reason as a result of the president’s unacceptable threats against our country,” he said.
“You are worried about your job and the sovereignty of our nation. And you are angry at the feeling of betrayal that these unacceptable words and tariffs have made us all experience. I share your anger and I share the worry about our future.”
Carney still hasn’t had a phone call with Trump and that might not happen now until after the election. Trump mocked Trudeau by calling him governor, but he has not yet mentioned Carney’s name.
Carney, 60, was the head of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis. In 2013, he became the first noncitizen of the United Kingdom to run the Bank of England — helping to manage the impact of Brexit.
Poilievre, 45, for years the party’s go-to attack dog, is a career politician and firebrand populist who says he will put “Canada first.” He vows to defund Canada’s public broadcaster and he won’t allow media onboard his campaign buses and planes.
