Amid rising tensions with the US over a trade war and President Trump’s talk of a takeover, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a snap election. Carney announced on Sunday that the election will be held on April 28, moving it up from the original date of October 20. During a news briefing, Carney explained that he needs an urgent mandate to handle these pressing challenges. “We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump’s unjustified trade actions and threats to our sovereignty,” he said.
The decision could give Carney’s Liberal Party an advantage. Their popularity has surged since Trump took office, according to the Washington Post. Carney stated that he requested Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament and call the election. She agreed, triggering a short 37-day campaign period, the legal minimum. Both Carney and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre began their campaigns on Sunday, reported the Associated Press.
However, the election outcome may depend on how well candidates convince voters they can stand up to Trump’s policies. While Poilievre has vowed to resist Trump’s plans, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, a Poilievre ally, claimed the Conservative leader aligns closely with “America’s new direction.” This statement reinforces Liberal claims about Poilievre’s ideological similarities to Trump, noted Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University.
The Conservatives also face challenges after Carney replaced Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader. Lori Turnbull of Dalhousie University explained that Conservatives must shift focus. “They need to pivot big time because the question isn't Trudeau anymore,” she told the Post.
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