In a significant political shift, Canada’s Liberal Party, under the leadership of Mark Carney, has won the 2025 federal election. The Liberals secured 168 seats in the House of Commons, positioning them to form at least a minority government.
Carney, a former central banker with no prior elected office experience, assumed the Liberal leadership in January following Justin Trudeau’s resignation. His campaign centered on opposing U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies and nationalist rhetoric, which resonated with Canadian voters concerned about national sovereignty and economic stability.
The election outcome also marked a downfall for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who lost his seat amid criticism for adopting Trump-like rhetoric and the “Canada First” slogan.
Carney’s victory is seen as a reaffirmation of Canada’s commitment to centrist and internationalist values, contrasting with the rising populism in other parts of the world.
“As I’ve been warning for months, America wants our land, our resources, our water,” he said. “President Trump is trying to break us so he can own us. That will never happen.” He warned Canadians that the road ahead would be difficult and might require sacrifices.
As Prime Minister, Carney faces challenges including managing strained U.S.-Canada relations, addressing economic concerns, and navigating a potentially fragmented Parliament where cooperation with other parties like the New Democrats and Bloc Québécois may be necessary.
