Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to call a national election soon to secure his parliamentary seat and gain public support in the ongoing trade war with the United States. Carney has revitalized the Liberal Party, narrowing the gap with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose campaign has been impacted by rising anti-US sentiment in Canada. The election could take place as early as late April, with all parliamentary seats up for vote.
Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader without holding elected office, must find a parliamentary seat to contest. Parliament, which has been in recess for months, is scheduled to resume on 24 March, though Carney may request an extension. If Parliament reconvenes, Carney will face Conservative criticism without a seat to defend himself.
Carney continues to lead Canada’s response to the US trade war, which has included tariffs on energy, steel, and aluminum imports. The trade conflict has dominated national media, giving Liberal ministers significant visibility while leaving Poilievre struggling for attention. Carney has sought to distance himself from Trudeau by eliminating the consumer carbon tax, a move long advocated by Poilievre.
Both leaders emphasize diversifying trade beyond the US, but the Liberals remain cautious about discussing oil pipelines, aside from the federally-owned Trans Mountain system. Carney envisions Canada as a superpower in both conventional and clean energy, creating trade corridors with reliable partners. However, oil-producing provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan have expressed skepticism, with leaders criticizing Carney’s past stance on energy policies.
As Carney prepares for his first international trip as prime minister, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has urged him to prioritize escalating trade tensions with the US and China over European relations. The upcoming election will test Carney’s ability to balance domestic and international challenges while reshaping Canada’s trade and energy strategies.
