Published: 9:54pm, 28 Apr 2025Updated: 9:56pm, 28 Apr 2025
Canada was voting on Monday for a new government to confront a trade war and annexation threats by President Donald Trump, who pushed for the United States to absorb its neighbour as polling stations opened.
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The Liberal Party, led by new Prime Minister Mark Carney, looked set to lose to the Conservatives’ Pierre Poilievre until the US president’s attacks on the country sparked a sudden reversal in poll forecasts.
Trump forcefully inserted himself into Canadian politics on election day with a Truth Social post, saying Canada would face “ZERO TARIFFS” if it “becomes the cherished 51st state”.
“IT WAS MEANT TO BE!” he said.
Carney, 60, has never held elected office and only replaced Justin Trudeau as prime minister last month. He had a lucrative career as an investment banker before serving as the central bank governor in both Canada and Britain.
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Carney has argued his global financial experience has prepared him to guide Canada’s response to Trump’s tariffs.