Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called a snap federal election on Sunday, seeking to capitalize on the momentum of his resurgent Liberal party. The campaign is likely to focus on who can best handle President Donald Trump and make Canada more resilient in the face of his threats.
Carney requested that the governor-general dissolve Parliament, setting elections for April 28. The Liberals are pitted against Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, a former politician with a populist message. Poilievre has gained support by focusing on inflation, grocery prices, and high housing costs, but his party’s message may struggle to resonate.
The federal election comes at a time of great anxiety in Canada as the country’s relationship with the US is strained due to trade tensions. Trump has weighed in on Canadian domestic politics, offering contradictory messages that have alienated some voters. Canadians are looking for a leader who can bring stability in a tumultuous period, and the election may be less about public policy and more about character.
The Liberals have cast Poilievre’s party as “wannabe MAGA maple syrup Conservatives,” rolling out ads that cut between Trump and Poilievre using identical language. This could pose a challenge for the Conservative leader, who must navigate his own support among mainstream voters while appealing to those who back Trump.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/23/canada-snap-election-carney