In a highly anticipated federal election, Canada’s Liberal Party, now led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, secured a fourth consecutive term, forming a minority government with 167 seats. This is just five short of a majority in the 343-seat House of Commons.
Carney, who was formerly a central banker with no prior elected office experience, ascended to leadership following Justin Trudeau’s resignation amid economic challenges and internal party dissent. His campaign gained momentum as U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies and controversial remarks, including suggesting Canada become the 51st U.S. state, spurred a surge in Canadian nationalism.
In his victory speech, Carney signaled a shift in the country’s foreign policy stance, declaring “The system of open global trade anchored by the United States, a system that Canada has relied on since the Second World War, a system that, while not perfect, has helped deliver prosperity for our country for decades, is over,” according to Reuters.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre conceded defeat, acknowledging the Liberal Party’s narrow win, while New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh resigned after expressing disappointment in his party’s performance.
The election results indicate a turning point for Canada, with voters backing Carney to steer the country through rising tensions with the United States and growing economic uncertainty at home.
