Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has clinched victory in the national election held on Monday but fell short of securing a majority government. With 167 out of 343 seats in the House of Commons, the Liberals will navigate a minority government, relying on support from smaller parties to pass legislation.
Speaking to supporters in Ottawa, Carney highlighted the challenges ahead, particularly regarding escalating tensions with the United States over trade. “Our old relationship with the United States, a relationship based on steadily increasing integration, is over,” he declared. “The system of open global trade anchored by the United States, a system that Canada has relied on since the Second World War, a system that, while not perfect, has helped deliver prosperity for our country for decades, is over.”
The election comes at a critical time as U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed import tariffs on Canadian goods and made provocative statements about annexation. “America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country,” Carney said. “These are not idle threats. President Trump is trying to break us so America can own us. That will never ever happen.”
The right-of-center Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, made significant gains with 145 seats. While conceding defeat, Poilievre emphasized his party’s role in holding the government accountable. “We didn’t quite get over the finish line yet,” he told supporters. “We know that change is needed, but change is hard to come by. It takes time.”
The election also marked a setback for the New Democratic Party (NDP). Leader Jagmeet Singh conceded defeat in his own district and announced plans to step down. The shift in support toward the Liberals was partly fueled by heightened national pride in response to Trump’s aggressive stance.
Carney, a political newcomer who previously led two G7 central banks, has positioned himself as the leader best equipped to handle economic challenges. He has promised a tough approach with Washington over tariffs and plans to invest billions to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S.
The formation of a minority government means the Liberals will need to collaborate closely with other parties to advance their agenda. Minority governments in Canada rarely last longer than two and a half years, suggesting potential political uncertainty ahead.
As Canada faces domestic and international challenges, Carney called for unity and resilience. “These are tragedies, but it’s also our new reality,” he said. “The coming months will be challenging and require sacrifices.”
