Mark Carney has led a troubled Liberal Party to victory in Canada’s election through fearmongering by claiming: “President Trump is trying to break us.”
Carney’s win represents a direct rebuke to President Donald Trump after he suggested making Canada America’s 51st state.
Canadian broadcasters declared Carney’s Liberal Party victorious, with the party either winning or leading in 168 out of 343 ridings, just short of the 172 needed for a majority government.
This result comes despite earlier predictions favoring the Conservative Party.
It had gained momentum due to economic dissatisfaction and fatigue with a decade of Liberal governance under Justin Trudeau, who resigned in March.
For critics, President Trump’s brazen interference in Canadian affairs appears to have backfired spectacularly.
The American president suggested that Canadians would benefit from becoming America’s 51st state, and offered tax cuts and increased military power as incentives.
These comments sparked outrage across the Canadian political spectrum and shifted voter sentiment away from Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who shares some policy goals with the American president.
Carney capitalized on President Trump’s remarks by positioning himself as a defender of Canadian sovereignty and independence.
During his victory speech, he issued a direct warning: “President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us. That will never ever happen.”
He also acknowledged that Trudau left the country in shambles, saying, “If there’s not a crisis, you wouldn’t be seeing me.”
Poilievre’s Conservative Party did increase its overall seat count and vote share.
The surge in support demonstrates continued backing for the platform, which focuses on reducing government size, promoting fossil fuels, and opposing “woke” policies.
However, in a stunning personal defeat, Poilievre lost his own seat, dealing a significant blow to his leadership.
The election fundamentally changed course after President Trump began making Canada a focus of his trade policies.
He described the US-Canada border as “artificially drawn” and repeatedly suggested Canada would benefit from American leadership.
Carney acknowledged challenges ahead in his victory speech, emphasizing the need to address domestic issues that resonate with everyday Canadians.
“While many have chosen to place your trust in me, trust in the Liberal party, millions of our fellow citizens wanted a different outcome,” he said.
Carney promised bold action on the cost of living, healthcare, and economic barriers between provinces. “We will need to think big and act bigger,” he added.
