Mark Carney leads Liberals to victory in Canada

On April 28, 2025, Canada held its 45th federal election, with Mark Carney and the Liberal Party emerging victorious, securing a fourth consecutive term. The election, called early by Carney after he replaced Justin Trudeau as prime minister, was shaped by economic concerns and tensions with the United States over trade tariffs proposed by President Donald Trump. While the Liberals won, it remains unclear whether they will form a majority or minority government, as vote counting continues in several ridings.

Carney Rise to Leadership

Mark Carney, a former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, took over as Liberal leader in March 2025 after Trudeau resigned amid internal party turmoil. Carney, who had never held elected office before, campaigned on his economic expertise, promising to navigate Canada through a potential trade war with the U.S. His message resonated with voters, who saw him as a steady hand to counter Trump aggressive rhetoric, including threats to annex Canada as the "51st state."

Poilievre Conservatives Fall Short

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who led polls for much of the past year, conceded defeat to Carney on election night. Despite gains in seats compared to 2021, the Conservatives could not overtake the Liberal surge. Poilievre vowed to remain leader, emphasizing his party role in holding the Liberals accountable. His campaign focused on tax cuts and energy independence but struggled to counter Carney patriotic appeal against U.S. threats.

NDP and Bloc Québécois Struggles

The New Democratic Party, led by Jagmeet Singh, faced a devastating loss, with Singh announcing his resignation as leader after failing to secure his own seat. The NDP risks losing official party status if it falls below 12 seats. Meanwhile, the Bloc Québécois, led by Yves-François Blanchet, held onto key seats in Quebec but saw reduced influence as the Liberal-Conservative race dominated. The Green Party, co-led by Elizabeth May, also faced challenges, with May at risk of losing her seat.

Election Context and Voter Turnout

The 2025 election was the first to use a new 343-seat electoral map, reflecting population growth. A record 7.3 million Canadians voted early, signaling high engagement. The campaign was dominated by U.S.-Canada relations, with Trump tariff threats and annexation comments fueling patriotic sentiment. Carney victory speech emphasized Canadian sovereignty, declaring that Canada would "never yield" to external pressures.

As Carney prepares to lead, questions remain about whether the Liberals will secure a majority (172 seats) or govern as a minority, requiring support from other parties. Key challenges include negotiating with Trump on trade and addressing domestic economic issues like unemployment and slow growth. The election outcome marks a dramatic turnaround for the Liberals, who trailed in polls just months ago before Carney leadership and Trump influence shifted voter priorities.