Mark Carney Achieves Historic Victory in Canadian Elections, Pledges to Confront Trump’s Threats
Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney secured a historic electoral victory in Canada on Tuesday, promising to triumph over the United States in the trade war initiated by Donald Trump and to not forget the “American betrayal.”
However, winning the election does not guarantee a majority in Parliament, and the Liberals may ultimately need to govern with support from another party—a situation yet to be resolved as some regions continue to count votes.
A few months ago, the path appeared clear for the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, to return to power after a decade under Justin Trudeau.
Yet Trump’s reelection and his unprecedented assaults on Canada—through tariffs and threats to annex the northern neighbor—altered the landscape.
In front of his supporters late Monday, Carney stated, “The previous relationship with the United States is over,” asserting that “President Trump seeks to break us.” He called for national unity to face the “difficult months ahead that will require sacrifices.”
Poilievre also pledged during his concession speech to work with Carney and prioritize the country’s interests over partisan conflicts in light of the “irresponsible threats” from the American president.
Prior to this, the announcement of the Liberal Party’s victory sparked a round of applause and enthusiastic cheers among supporters gathered in a hockey arena.
Dorothy Gubault, 72, from the Thousand Islands region in Ontario, expressed, “I am very happy. I’m glad we have someone who can speak to Trump as an equal. Trump is a businessman, and Carney is a businessman, and I think they understand each other.”
Cultural Minister Steven Guilbeault commented to public broadcaster CBS that “the numerous attacks by President Trump on the Canadian economy, sovereignty, and identity stirred Canadians,” noting that voters felt “Prime Minister Carney has experience on the international stage.”
Voters emphasized the importance of this election while waiting in long lines at polling stations throughout the day, considering it historic and pivotal for the future of the 41 million-strong nation.
At sixty, Mark Carney, a newcomer to politics known for his economic background, managed to convince a populace anxious about the country’s economic future and sovereignty that he is the right person to lead Canada in these challenging times.
Throughout the campaign, this former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England reminded voters that the American threat to Canada is real. At one campaign stop, he stated, “Chaos has entered our lives. This is a tragedy, but also a reality,” adding that “the fundamental issue of this election is determining who is best equipped to face President Trump.”
In this context, Carney pledged to maintain tariffs on American products as long as Washington continues its measures, and he committed to fostering trade within the country by reducing barriers between provinces and seeking new export markets, especially in Europe.
In a related development, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed on Tuesday morning that relations between Europe and Canada “are strong and strengthening,” congratulating Carney on his win.
Von der Leyen expressed via platform X, “I look forward to working closely together, both bilaterally and within the G7,” adding, “We will defend our shared democratic values, promote multilateralism, and support free and fair trade.”
In London, Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Carney and welcomed the “strengthening of relations” between the United Kingdom and Canada.
China stated it is “ready to develop relations” with Canada, though it has not yet offered any congratulations to the Liberals under Carney’s leadership.
Relations between Beijing and Ottawa have been strained for years due to various trade and political disputes.
Conservative Poilievre, who promised to cut taxes and public spending, failed to convince voters in this G7 country, the world’s ninth-largest economy, to abandon the Liberals.
Analysts believe Poilievre’s defeat was partly due to the similarity of his approach and some of his ideas to those of the American president, which alienated some voters.
In the Conservatives’ headquarters in Ottawa, Jason Bichir expressed his “surprise” at the results, saying, “I thought it would be much closer.”
Businessman Jean-Guy Bourguignon, 59, expressed “deep sadness,” questioning, “Is this really the country we want to live in?” while listing the liberal policies he deems detrimental to freedom.
About 29 million voters were called to the polls in this vast country spanning six time zones, with over 7.3 million casting early votes—a record number.
