Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to call a snap election, according to reports by local media, with the vote likely to take place on April 28. The announcement is expected this Sunday, and it marks the beginning of an election campaign that is set to focus heavily on the escalating trade war with the United States and the contentious rhetoric of US President Donald Trump, who has suggested that Canada could become the 51st state.
As per The Globe and Mail the major political parties—the Liberals, Conservatives, and New Democrats—have already made preparations, with campaign planes and buses in place and their war rooms primed for action.
The Liberal Party has reportedly attracted several high-profile candidates, including former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson and former CTV host Evan Solomon. Former Quebec finance minister Carlos Leitão is also expected to run for the Liberals, the report said.
Carney, a former Bank of England governor, was sworn in as Prime Minister last week after Justin Trudeau’s resignation. The 60-year-old, who has no prior political experience but is widely regarded for his leadership during the 2008 financial crisis, has made it clear that his focus will be on protecting Canadian workers and families, particularly in the face of Trump’s trade actions.
Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods has led to growing nationalistic sentiments in Canada, with many Canadians voicing frustration over the economic impact and US sovereignty threats. Public opinion polls suggest that many Canadians reject Trump’s rhetoric, especially his repeated remarks about annexation.
In response to these pressures, Carney has sought to strengthen Canada’s global alliances, making his first trip abroad as Prime Minister to meet with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. The trip was viewed as a signal of Carney’s intention to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S. and diversify its trade and security ties, particularly with European allies.