OTTAWA: In the federal elections, Canada’s Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has secured victory but failed to obtain a majority in Parliament. So far, the Liberals have won 167 seats, just shy of the 172 needed for a majority.
In contrast, the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, secured 145 seats.
Carney, a former central banker and international finance expert, took over the Liberal leadership from Justin Trudeau in March 2025. His campaign focused heavily on resisting U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies and nationalist rhetoric, which resonated with Canadian voters concerned about sovereignty.
Following the win, Carney stated: “We’ve emerged from the trauma of American bullying, but we must never forget its lessons.”
He added that his government would prioritize defending Canada’s autonomy and promoting economic growth.
Trump’s reintroduction of tariffs on Canadian goods and suggestions of U.S.-Canada realignment became central issues in the election. Carney’s firm stance on protecting Canadian interests was seen as a key factor in the Liberal win.
Despite leading early in the campaign, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre lost ground due to his perceived closeness to Trump and lack of focus on domestic concerns. Meanwhile, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh announced his resignation after a disappointing performance by his party.
With no clear majority, Carney will now lead a minority government and may need support from other parties, such as the Bloc Québécois, to pass legislation. His administration faces immediate challenges including inflation, strained public services, and continued trade pressure from the U.S.
These elections mark a critical turning point in Canada’s domestic and international political stance, with voters choosing to push back against foreign interference and economic instability.
