Carney to call snap election for 28 April amid polling surge

Mark Carney, who became Canada’s prime minister just last week, is expected to call a snap election for 28 April, sparking an intense campaign centered on how to handle President Donald Trump's trade war and his demands to make Canada the 51st U.S. state.

The election call, expected Sunday, reflects Carney’s desire to capitalize on a polling surge for his Liberal Party, driven largely by U.S. tariffs and Trump’s repeated remarks on Canadian sovereignty.

At the start of the year, the Liberals were poised for defeat, with the opposition Conservatives leading. However, Carney, who won the Liberal Party leadership on March 9, has united the party and gained momentum amid growing concerns over a potential recession due to the trade war.

Political Novice

This will be Carney’s first campaign. A former central banker, Carney argues his leadership through the 2008 financial crisis and the Brexit vote makes him the right candidate for the economic challenges ahead. He has criticized Trump’s U.S. as a country Canada can "no longer trust."

Following his swearing-in, Carney traveled to Europe to strengthen Canada’s alliances as relations with the U.S. worsen.

Polling Surge

Recent polls show the race is now neck-and-neck. While the Conservatives had gained ground, the Liberals have seen a surge, in part at the expense of the New Democrats, who are seen as weaker on U.S. relations.

Queen's University professor Stephanie Chouinard noted the election call was expected but added, "There is still uncertainty around Mark Carney, who has never campaigned."

‘Maple Syrup MAGA’?

Polling shows some discomfort with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as a Trump counter. While Poilievre has distanced himself from Trump, some Liberals have branded him "Maple Syrup MAGA."

Poilievre, a seasoned politician, said Canada needs a "strong leader" and plans to reduce economic reliance on the U.S.

University of Ottawa professor Genevieve Tellier said both the Conservatives and New Democrats will likely avoid focusing on Trump’s threats, as that benefits the Liberals for now.