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Newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap election for 28 April, arguing that he needs a strong mandate to confront the growing threat posed by US President Donald Trump, whom he accused of trying to “break Canada so America can own us.”
Carney’s remarks underscored the sharp decline in US-Canada relations, long defined by close trade and diplomatic ties. Tensions have escalated since Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian exports and suggested annexing Canada as the 51st US state.
Although the next election was originally scheduled for 20 October, Carney is seeking to capitalise on his Liberal Party’s resurgence in the polls following former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation and Trump’s recent threats against Canada.
Carney, who was sworn in as prime minister on 14 March, initially took a conciliatory tone, stating he respected and could work with Trump. However, on Sunday, he adopted a more confrontational 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 told reporters 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 commented on Carney’s statements.
On 6 March, Trump postponed a sweeping 25% tariff on select Canadian goods for 30 days. However, he has since imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium and has threatened additional duties on dairy and lumber, set to take effect on 2 April.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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