Canada’s center-left Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has secured a dramatic victory in the federal election held on Monday, April 28. The result was significantly influenced by U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of economic warfare and a potential takeover of Canada.
In his victory speech at the Liberal Party headquarters in Ottawa, Carney declared, “The old relationship with America—built on gradual integration—is over.” He also noted that the U.S.-led global free trade system, which has sustained Canada’s prosperity since World War II, is now effectively defunct. “These are not just unfortunate events; this is our new reality,” he said, warning of difficult months ahead and necessary sacrifices.
Preliminary results show the Liberals leading in 167 out of 343 seats in the House of Commons. A majority requires 172 seats. The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has so far won 145 seats, with vote counting still ongoing.
According to Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, three main factors contributed to the Liberal victory: a widespread “Anyone but the Conservatives” sentiment, Trump’s tariff threats, and the departure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which brought back many traditional Liberal voters.
Carney promised a tougher stance toward Washington and massive investments to reduce Canada’s dependence on the U.S. Although the Conservatives performed better than expected after nine years of Liberal rule, Poilievre acknowledged defeat and vowed to hold the government accountable.
This victory marks a significant comeback for the Liberals, who were trailing the Conservatives by 20 points in January. Following Trudeau’s resignation and Trump’s aggressive rhetoric—including threats to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian-made vehicles and hints at making Canada the 51st U.S. state—public sentiment shifted dramatically in favor of the Liberals, driven by a surge in patriotism.
Carney strongly stated, “The U.S. wants our land, our resources, our water—our country. These are not empty threats. President Trump is trying to break us so that America can take over. That will never, ever happen.”
Carney emphasized his competence in handling economic matters, while Poilievre focused his campaign on cost of living, crime, and the housing crisis. Before Trump’s interventions, the Liberals were slightly trailing, but the nationalistic backlash against U.S. pressure played a decisive role in the election outcome.
The Liberal Party now becomes the latest political force in Canada to win four consecutive elections since 2004.