Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal party are set to win the country's 45th general election, though securing a majority remains uncertain as tight races continue to unfold. Preliminary results indicate the Liberals will claim 156 of 343 parliamentary seats, while the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, are poised to form the official opposition with 144 seats.
The projected victory marks a comeback for the Liberal party, which faced declining poll numbers earlier in the year. Carney's experience in handling economic crises resonated with voters, especially amid rising tensions with the US, including the 25% tariff imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum since March and similar measures on automobiles in April. Canada responded with retaliatory tariffs, prompting discussions on diversifying energy exports.
Both Carney and Poilievre have championed trade corridors, pipelines, and LNG facilities to reduce reliance on US markets. Carney has framed his campaign around positioning Canada as an "energy superpower," while Poilievre has argued that Liberal policies have hindered economic growth.
The election has been dominated by concerns over inflation, housing costs, and international relations. The Liberals, in power since 2015, may need support from other parties to pass legislation if they secure a minority government. Broader economic negotiations between Canada and the US are expected to follow the election, shaping future trade policies.