Newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap election for April 28, citing the need for a strong mandate to counter what he described as a growing threat from U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney accused Trump of attempting to “break Canada so America can own us,” highlighting a sharp deterioration in U.S.-Canada relations.
Carney’s remarks come amid rising tensions between the two nations, traditionally bound by strong trade and diplomatic ties. Strains have intensified following Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian exports and his controversial suggestion that Canada should be annexed as the 51st U.S. state.
Originally scheduled for October 20, the election was brought forward as Carney’s Liberal Party gains momentum in the polls, fueled by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation and Trump’s recent actions against Canada.
Carney, who was sworn in as prime minister on March 14, initially signaled a willingness to cooperate with Trump. However, on Sunday, he took a more defiant stance.
“We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump’s unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty,” Carney said after securing approval from the Governor General—King Charles III’s representative in Canada—to dissolve Parliament.
“Our response must be to build a strong economy and a more secure Canada. President Trump claims that Canada isn’t a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen.”
The White House has not yet responded to Carney’s remarks.
On March 6, Trump delayed a sweeping 25% tariff on select Canadian goods for 30 days. However, he has since imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and threatened additional duties on dairy and lumber, set to take effect on April 2.
The election is expected to serve as a referendum on Canada’s response to U.S. pressure, with Carney positioning himself as a defender of the country’s sovereignty and economic stability.
