Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged Tuesday to defeat the United States in Donald Trump's trade war after leading Canada’s Liberal Party to a historic election victory and securing another term in power.
The United Kingdom congratulated Carney on his win, while the European Union’s top official vowed to work with Ottawa to "defend our shared democratic values" and "champion free and fair trade."
Following a campaign dominated by Trump’s tariffs and annexation threats, Carney promised to chart “a new path forward” in a world “fundamentally changed” by a newly protectionist and adversarial United States.
“We are over the shock of the American betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons,” said Carney, who previously led the central banks of Canada and Britain before entering politics earlier this year.
“We will win this trade war and build the strongest economy in the G7,” he added.
Carney’s Liberals secured control of Parliament but may fall just short of a majority, requiring cooperation with smaller parties. Nonetheless, the outcome marks a dramatic comeback for a party that, at the start of the year, was widely expected to lose.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre had been poised for victory, but Trump’s aggressive stance toward Canada — combined with the resignation of unpopular former prime minister Justin Trudeau — reshaped the race.
Carney, who took over as Liberal leader only weeks ago, argued that his experience managing global economic crises made him the right candidate to confront Trump’s agenda.
Poilievre conceded defeat on Tuesday and promised to work with Carney in Canada’s national interest.
“We will always put Canada first,” he told supporters in Ottawa. “Conservatives will work with the prime minister and all parties to secure a new trade deal that removes these tariffs while protecting our sovereignty.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Carney, saying the UK and Canada are “the closest of allies, partners, and friends.”
“Our partnership is built on shared history and values, and I look forward to strengthening those ties,” Starmer said in a statement.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also praised Carney’s win and said she was eager to collaborate “to defend our shared democratic values, promote multilateralism, and champion free and fair trade.”
‘We Are Canada’
At Liberal headquarters in Ottawa, cheers erupted when networks called the race for Carney.
“I’m happy we have someone who can speak to Mr. Trump on his level,” said Dorothy Goubault, 72.
“Mr. Trump is a businessman. Mr. Carney is a businessman. I think they’ll understand each other.”
Before stepping down, Trudeau had been mocked by Trump, who called him “governor” and suggested Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.
Goubault said that era is over:
“It’s not the governor anymore. It’s the prime minister of Canada. And it’s not the 51st state anymore — it’s ‘We are Canada!’”
Liberal MP and cabinet member Steven Guilbeault said Trump’s threats mobilized voters:
“The attacks on our economy, our sovereignty, even our identity — Canadians took that seriously. And they saw in Mark Carney someone with real global experience.”
Carney’s credentials include leading Canada’s central bank through the 2008–09 financial crisis and overseeing the Bank of England during the Brexit vote.
Trudeau’s Departure Key
Trudeau’s resignation in January paved the way for the Liberals’ rebound. On the day he stepped down, polls showed the Conservatives leading by more than 20 points amid public anger over high living costs after a decade of Liberal rule.
Carney distanced himself from Trudeau throughout the campaign, dropping the unpopular carbon tax and promising renewed focus on economic growth.
Poilievre, a longtime MP, was criticized for his subdued response to Trump’s provocations and failed to convince voters that Carney represented more of the same.
At the Conservative watch party in Ottawa, Jason Piche expressed disbelief:
“I was hoping for a big celebration tonight,” he said.
With AFP
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