Canada’s Election Battle Kicks Off as Trump Looms Large
Canada’s new Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Conservative rival Pierre Poilievre have officially launched their election campaigns, and there’s one big name hanging over it all Donald Trump.
Carney, who recently took over from Justin Trudeau, announced a five-week campaign leading up to the April 28 vote. But instead of the usual domestic issues dominating the race, Trump’s trade war and controversial comments about Canada’s sovereignty have taken center stage.
“Trump claims Canada isn’t a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen,” Carney said, rallying support.
Trump has slapped tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and is threatening even more penalties come April 2. But it’s his suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state that has really enraged Canadians, sparking a surge in nationalism that has unexpectedly boosted Carney’s Liberal Party.
Poilievre, who was expected to cruise to victory before Trump’s interventions, insists he’ll stand up to the U.S. president. However, some of his conservative allies have hinted at a more cooperative approach with Trump’s administration.
“I will insist the president recognizes Canada’s independence and stops hitting us with unfair tariffs,” Poilievre said.
While Trump frequently mocked Trudeau, calling him “Governor,” he has yet to take a shot at Carney. The new PM, meanwhile, isn’t rushing to chat with Trump, saying the U.S. president needs to first acknowledge Canada’s sovereignty before any trade talks can happen.
Beyond the Trump factor, Carney has shifted the Liberal Party to the right, scrapping Trudeau’s carbon tax and announcing middle-class tax cuts. Poilievre, known for his fiery populist rhetoric, has promised to put “Canada first,” defund the country’s public broadcaster, and shut out the media from his campaign bus and plane.
With tensions high and Trump’s influence looming, this election is shaping up to be one of Canada’s most unpredictable yet.
