Canadian voters return Liberals to power under new leader

Canadians voted Monday to return the incumbent Liberals to power for another four years, placing their trust in Prime Minister Mark Carney to navigate the turmoil arising from United States President Donald Trump’s tariffs and annexation rhetoric.

Carney (above), a former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, campaigned on his financial expertise, assuring voters he possessed the economic tools needed to steer the country through an unpredictable global economy marked by tariff wars and a new trade deal with the US, Anadolu Ajansi reported.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre ran on a platform of change, criticising what he described as a decade of sluggish Liberal governance under former premier Justin Trudeau.

However, his message fell short, despite months of leading the Liberals in opinion polls.

Poilievre’s defeat is likely to sting, as his party had consistently outpaced the Liberals until political fortunes shifted dramatically following Trudeau’s resignation.

Carney, a political newcomer, assumed leadership after a party convention, propelling the Liberals to a surge in public support. By the final day of polling on April 27, the Liberals had gained a four-point lead over the Conservatives.

Voters appeared to respond to Carney’s image as a steady hand capable of confronting Trump’s unpredictable policies. However, Carney has no prior political experience, raising questions about how he will transition into Canada’s top job.

The election ultimately became a two-party contest, with the New Democratic Party under leader Jagmeet Singh failing to mount a significant challenge.

A total of 343 seats were contested across the country, with 172 needed to secure a majority in the House of Commons.

Given Canada’s expanse across six time zones, vote counting is still underway, and it remains unclear whether Carney will command a majority or lead a minority government.

- Bernama

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