In a dramatic and closely watched general election, Canada’s Liberal Party, now under the leadership of former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, has secured a victory, winning 167 seats in the House of Commons—just five seats short of an outright majority. Carney will form a minority government, continuing the Liberals’ hold on power following the January resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The election outcome marks a significant political comeback for the Liberals, who were trailing the Pierre Poilievre-led Conservatives by nearly 20 points at the beginning of the year. As of the latest count, the Conservatives have won 145 seats, followed by the Bloc Québécois with 23, the New Democratic Party with 7, and the Green Party with 1 seat.
Despite falling short of a majority (172 seats are required), the Liberal Party claimed a 43.1% share of the national vote, narrowly edging out the Conservatives at 41.7%.
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Trump’s Tariff Threats Become a Turning Point
The campaign took a dramatic turn amid escalating tensions with the United States. President Donald Trump, in his second term, imposed new reciprocal tariffs and alarmed Canadian voters by suggesting Canada could be annexed as the 51st U.S. state. These controversial statements ignited a nationalist wave in Canada that Carney skillfully harnessed in his campaign.
“US President Trump is trying to break us so that America can own us—that will never ever happen,” Carney declared in his victory speech in Ottawa, vowing to reduce Canadian economic dependence on the U.S. “We are a sovereign nation, and we always will be.”
Carney has indicated plans to initiate dialogue with President Trump in the coming days, saying he is open to discussing “the future of two sovereign and independent nations.”
Conservatives Concede, Pledge to Hold Government Accountable
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre conceded defeat shortly after projections confirmed the Liberals’ lead. While congratulating Carney, he affirmed that his party would hold the minority government accountable in Parliament.
The result underscores Canada’s deepening political divisions and the increased volatility caused by external pressures—chief among them, the evolving relationship with the United States.
A Comeback Fueled by Global Anxiety
The Liberals’ comeback from an early-year slump has been widely attributed to Carney’s calm demeanor, economic credibility, and strong positioning on national sovereignty. Trudeau’s resignation initially left the party floundering, but Carney’s entry into politics re-energized the base at a time when global uncertainty—particularly driven by Trump’s foreign policy—was top of mind for voters.
The House of Commons will now face a new era of minority governance, with the Liberals likely needing support from smaller parties like the NDP or Bloc Québécois on key legislation. Carney’s first test will be building consensus in a fragmented Parliament while confronting growing international economic risks.
Looking Ahead
As Canada braces for new challenges in trade, national unity, and global diplomacy, Carney’s government enters power with a renewed—but delicate—mandate. Whether his leadership can stabilize the country and restore trust in liberal governance remains to be seen.
But for now, Mark Carney stands victorious, having led his party through one of the most unpredictable and geopolitically charged elections in recent Canadian history.
