TORONTO — New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to contest an Ottawa-area seat as he aims to secure a spot in Parliament for the first time. This development was revealed by two officials privy to the situation, one day before Carney plans to call for an early general election scheduled for April 28.
This election will occur amid escalating tensions due to a trade dispute and threats concerning national sovereignty from U.S. President Donald Trump. The unnamed officials, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the information, confirmed that Carney intends to run in the suburban Ottawa district of Nepean.
The campaign for the 343 seats in the House of Commons is expected to span 37 days. The party that either gains a majority or can form a coalition in the House of Commons will lead the subsequent government, with its head taking the role of prime minister.
Carney stepped into the role of prime minister following Justin Trudeau’s resignation in January. Trudeau managed the transition until the Liberal Party selected a new leader on March 9. After an internal party race, Carney was inaugurated as Canada’s 24th prime minister on March 14. He has emphasized the need for a robust and clear government mandate during these turbulent times.
The ruling Liberal Party was initially heading towards a historic election setback this year until a strategic move by Trump turned the tides. Trump’s remarks proposing that Canada should join the U.S. as the 51st state have significantly impacted Canadian politics.
Trump’s repeated challenges to Canadian sovereignty have angered many citizens, fueling a rise in national pride that has unexpectedly boosted support for the Liberals. Meanwhile, the opposition Conservatives planned to focus their campaign on Trudeau’s dipping popularity, driven by rising costs of living and increased immigration. However, the debate has now shifted to who can effectively navigate Canada’s relationship with Trump.
President Trump recently imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and has threatened broader tariffs on all Canadian products and those from other American trading partners, effective April 2.
Prime Minister Carney has yet to have a discussion with President Trump, and given the current situation, such a conversation might be postponed until after the electoral process. Trump previously mocked former Prime Minister Trudeau by calling him “governor” and has yet to publicly acknowledge Carney.
At 60 years of age, Carney brings significant experience, having led the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis, and later becoming the first noncitizen to head the Bank of England, where he played a pivotal role in navigating Brexit’s repercussions.
Pierre Poilievre, who leads the Conservatives, stands as Carney’s primary opponent. Earlier projections indicated a potential large victory for Poilievre and his party in the federal elections until Trump’s aggressive trade stance and annexation rhetoric disrupted their momentum.
Poilievre, aged 45, is known for his populist appeal and aggressive style, positioning himself as a staunch advocate for “Canada first.” He is critical of mainstream media and has proposed cutting funds to Canada’s public broadcaster. Additionally, his party announced that they would exclude media access from their campaign transportation.
