Canada's Federal Election Heats Up as Trump’s Policies Dominate Debate

Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre launch campaigns focused on U.S.-Canada relations, with trade tensions and sovereignty threats at the forefront.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has framed the April 28 election as a referendum on leadership, urging Canadians to give him a strong mandate to confront U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and annexation rhetoric.
Donald Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, with additional tariffs expected on April 2, escalating economic tensions between the two countries.
Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre have both pledged to defend Canada’s sovereignty, though Carney has criticized Poilievre for being ideologically aligned with Trump.
Polls show a tight race between the Liberals and Conservatives, with Trump’s actions fueling a resurgence in Canadian nationalism and improving Liberal prospects.
The election campaign is constrained by Canada’s caretaker convention, limiting the government’s ability to make major policy decisions during the critical period of U.S.-Canada tensions.