Ottawa: Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party has secured another term in office following Monday’s federal election in Canada, though it failed to win a parliamentary majority that would have given it greater freedom to govern without opposition support.
Preliminary results show the Liberals ahead or elected in 167 seats, falling short of the 172 needed for a majority in the 343-seat House of Commons. The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, was close behind with 145 seats, as vote counting continued.
In his victory speech, Carney acknowledged the global and bilateral challenges ahead, particularly with the United States under President Donald Trump. He warned that the decades-long era of increasing economic integration with the U.S. had ended.
"Our traditional trade relationship with America is gone," Carney said in Ottawa. "The open global trading system backed by the U.S.—while flawed—brought us prosperity. But that system is finished."
Carney, a former central banker, emphasized that Canada must prepare for difficult adjustments and tough negotiations with Washington. He has pledged billions in investment to reduce Canada’s dependence on its southern neighbor.
Analyst Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, said the Liberals’ victory was shaped by three main factors: a desire to block the Conservatives, growing concern over Trump's trade threats, and the departure of unpopular former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Despite being a political newcomer, Carney’s leadership during a time of heightened U.S. pressure drew voter support, particularly after Trump threatened steep tariffs and hinted at absorbing Canada as a U.S. state.
“President Trump is trying to break us, to take what’s ours—our land, our water, our country,” Carney said. “But Canada will never allow that.”
Trump’s campaign comments, including a renewed call for Canada to become the 51st state and promises of zero tariffs in exchange, stirred a surge of patriotism among Canadian voters. He also threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian automobiles.
The unexpected strength of the Conservatives, particularly in the Toronto area, helped prevent a Liberal majority. However, Poilievre’s own seat was still undecided at the time of reporting, and he acknowledged the loss while promising to hold the government accountable.
Smaller parties, including the NDP and Bloc Quebecois, lost significant ground as voters rallied behind the Liberals. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh lost his seat and announced plans to step down.
The election outcome gives the Liberals a fourth consecutive win, though minority governments in Canada typically last less than three years. Carney now faces the daunting task of managing economic and political tensions with the United States, while addressing key domestic issues like inflation and housing.
