OTTAWA — The Liberal Party, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mark Carney, won Canada’s federal election on Tuesday, according to projections by Canadian broadcasters CTV and CBC News, extending the party’s dominance in national politics.
Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative Party leader, conceded defeat but signaled he would remain in his role, noting that his party had gained more than 20 seats. “We fought hard, and we’ve grown stronger,” Mr. Poilievre said in a statement.
It remained uncertain whether the Liberals would secure the 172 seats needed for a parliamentary majority in the 343-seat House of Commons. CBC News reported that the Liberals were leading in 161 electoral districts, with the Conservatives ahead in 150. CTV News projected that Mr. Carney might fall short of the majority he sought to strengthen Canada’s position in trade negotiations with the United States, particularly in light of President Donald J. Trump’s proposed tariffs.
The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for the Liberals, whose popularity had waned earlier this year. The separatist Bloc Québécois, which advocates for Quebec’s independence, was projected to place third. The New Democratic Party (NDP), a former coalition partner of the Liberals, saw its support collapse, dropping from 24 seats to a projected eight. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who lost his own parliamentary seat, announced plans to step down after an interim leader is appointed. Mr. Singh congratulated Mr. Carney, acknowledging the Liberal surge fueled partly by voter concerns over U.S. tariffs and provocative comments from Mr. Trump about annexing Canada.
Carney’s Victory Speech: Defiance Amid Trade Tensions
In his victory address, Mr. Carney struck a defiant tone, vowing that Canada would prevail in what he described as a “trade war” with the United States. “We are over the shock of American betrayal, but we must never forget its lessons,” he told supporters, warning of challenging days ahead. “America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country. These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never happen.”
Mr. Carney emphasized the need to adapt to a shifting global landscape, stating, “Our world has fundamentally changed, and we must face that reality with resolve.”
International leaders swiftly congratulated Mr. Carney. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a post on X, praised the strengthening bond between Europe and Canada. “We’ll defend our shared democratic values, promote multilateralism, and champion free and fair trade,” she wrote, expressing eagerness to collaborate within the G7. Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer also extended congratulations, calling Canada and the United Kingdom “the closest of allies” and citing their shared history and values.
Why a Snap Election?
Mr. Carney, a former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, was selected as Liberal leader to succeed Justin Trudeau. Just nine days after assuming office, he called a snap election to secure a “strong, positive mandate” amid the party’s flagging popularity. The move proved strategic, as Mr. Carney capitalized on a surge in support driven by tensions with the United States and dissatisfaction with Mr. Poilievre’s Conservative platform, which some voters perceived as too closely aligned with Mr. Trump’s rhetoric.
An estimated 29 million Canadians voted, with polls opening first in Newfoundland and Labrador, the easternmost province of the G7 nation spanning six time zones. A record 7.3 million ballots were cast before election day, reflecting high voter engagement amid a cost-of-living crisis and looming economic challenges tied to U.S. trade policies.
With 75 percent of Canada’s exports directed to the United States, both Mr. Carney and Mr. Poilievre had pledged to prioritize a free trade agreement to mitigate the impact of Mr. Trump’s proposed tariffs.
Trump’s Statements Loom Large
Mr. Trump’s provocative remarks, including a suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state, dominated the campaign. On election day, he reiterated the idea on Truth Social, writing, “Look how beautiful this land mass would be. Free access with NO BORDER.” The comments sparked a backlash, with many Canadians boycotting U.S. goods and canceling travel plans to the United States.
Mr. Carney firmly rejected the notion of annexation. “This is Canada, and we decide what happens here,” he posted on X. Mr. Poilievre echoed the sentiment, urging Mr. Trump to “stay out” of Canada’s election and declaring, “Canada will never be the 51st state.”
The “Trump factor” appears to have undermined the Conservatives’ campaign. Polls had favored Mr. Poilievre earlier, but Mr. Trump’s rhetoric and tariff threats shifted voter sentiment toward the Liberals. “It was the ‘anybody-but-Conservative’ factor, the Trump tariff factor, and Trudeau’s departure that brought left-of-center and traditional Liberal voters back,” said Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, in an interview with Reuters.
Mr. Carney’s victory delivers a rebuke to Mr. Trump, who had frequently criticized the Liberals, particularly under Mr. Trudeau. As Canada braces for trade negotiations and economic uncertainty, Mr. Carney’s mandate will be tested by the need to balance national sovereignty with economic interdependence.
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