Canadians voted on Monday to select their next Prime Minister, with significant issues such as trade tensions and national sovereignty at the forefront. The election unfolded across Canada’s six time zones, with polling stations closing at 7:00 p.m. local time in the westernmost regions. As the final ballots were cast, early projections from CTV News and CBC indicated that the ruling Liberal Party, led by newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney, would retain power by forming a minority government.
Mark Carney had urged voters to deliver a strong mandate to help his government navigate increasing threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, who, on election day, reignited controversy by suggesting Canada should become America’s 51st state—a statement that drew sharp rebukes across the political spectrum. Initial results showed the Liberals leading or winning in 155 electoral districts, short of the 172 seats needed for a majority, with the Conservatives following closely with 149 seats. Meanwhile, the Bloc Québécois, under Yves-François Blanchet, was projected to win 26 seats, and the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, was ahead in 11.
A Political Comeback Fueled by Nationalism
The Liberals’ projected victory marks a remarkable comeback considering the political landscape just months ago. On January 6, when former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation, the Conservatives held a 20-point lead in most opinion polls. However, Carney’s leadership, combined with heightened nationalist sentiment following Trump’s antagonistic remarks, dramatically shifted public opinion.
CBC’s final poll aggregator before election day placed Liberal support at 42.8%, narrowly ahead of the Conservatives at 39.2%. The recent deadly attack at a Vancouver street fair, which temporarily suspended campaign activities, added a layer of tension to an already emotionally charged election. Despite trailing for much of the race, the Liberals’ ability to capitalize on growing public dissatisfaction with Trump’s rhetoric appears to have been a turning point.
The outcomes for smaller parties such as the Bloc Québécois and the NDP also remain critical, as their performance has historically impacted the balance of power in Canada’s Parliament. Nearly 29 million Canadians were eligible to vote, and a record 7.3 million took advantage of advanced polling, underscoring the election’s high stakes.
Tensions with the U.S. Shape Campaign Discourse
Throughout the campaign, both Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre addressed the strained relationship with the United States, pledging to renegotiate the free trade agreement to stabilize both nations’ economies. However, Trump’s provocative comments on election day intensified the discourse around Canadian sovereignty, galvanizing voters.
Poilievre, previously criticized for his cautious tone toward Trump, responded assertively by declaring, “President Trump, stay out of our election. Canada will always be proud, sovereign, and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state.” Carney echoed a similar sentiment on X, writing, “This is Canada and we decide what happens here.”
At 60 years old, Mark Carney’s election marks his first major political victory, having stepped into leadership only a month ago after Trudeau’s departure. As Canada braces for another term under a minority government, Carney’s ability to unite Parliament and counter external pressures will be critical in shaping the nation’s path forward.
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