Canada Elections: New PM Carney Calls Snap Polls For April 28 As He Seeks Mandate To Deal With Trump's Threats

Last Updated:March 23, 2025, 22:15 IST

Canadian PM Mark Carney met the Canadian Governor General at noon Sunday and held a press conference where he announced early elections on April 28.

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney takes part in a press conference after meeting with provincial and territorial leaders at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. (IMAGE: REUTERS)

Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney announced early elections on Sunday as he seeks a strong mandate to navigate the economic challenges posed by US President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.

Soon after taking office Donald Trump referred to Canada as the US’ 51st state and has not ruled out economic and even military coercion to achieve that objective and has referred to Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau as “governor".

Carney visited the Governor General—Canada’s official representative of King Charles—at noon (9:30 PM IST) and later addressed the media. His request to dissolve Parliament formally set the election process in motion.

While the general elections were initially scheduled for October 20, Carney is looking to capitalise on a surprising comeback by his Liberal party in opinion polls. The party’s fortunes have improved significantly since January when Trump’s trade threats intensified and since Trudeau announced his resignation.

Carney, a former central banker with no prior political experience, secured the Liberal leadership on March 9 by convincing party members that he was best equipped to handle Canada’s growing tensions with Trump’s administration.

According to Reuters, members of the Liberal party had earlier hinted that Carney was planning an early election. Reports suggest that voting will take place on April 28, giving him a five-week window to rally public support.

Polls indicate that the Liberals, who have governed since 2015 and were initially trailing behind the opposition Conservatives, have now edged slightly ahead in popularity.

Carney has yet to hold direct talks with Trump but has maintained a measured tone, stating that he respects the US President’s approach to trade policies.

Meanwhile, the opposition Conservatives have sought to paint Carney as an elite figure planning to continue the high-spending policies of the Trudeau administration. They have also questioned the transparency of how he managed his personal financial assets while taking office.

Ottawa, Canada

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