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Recently inaugurated Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is poised to announce a national election, potentially set for April 28, as early as this Sunday, according to numerous media reports.
Carney, a former central banker with experience in navigating economic challenges, is expected to frame himself as the candidate most prepared to confront U.S. President Donald Trump amidst ongoing trade tensions. This is particularly pertinent as Canadian businesses continue to grapple with the repercussions of trade disputes.
Having taken over the leadership of the Liberal Party following the departure of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Carney, at 60, is stepping into his first significant political role. His expected announcement to dissolve Parliament will formally launch a campaign period lasting five weeks, wherein he will face off against various political rivals.
While the decision to dissolve Parliament appears straightforward, the definitive election date remains somewhat fluid. However, reports from the Globe and Mail and the Associated Press indicate that Carney is inclined to establish April 28 as the date for Canadian citizens to cast their votes.
A shorter campaign duration could play to Carney’s advantage, as the national conversation largely revolves around the trade war initiated by the United States, particularly highlighted by Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and actions in recent months.
As noted by The Globe and Mail, the election is poised to center on the impact of Trump’s trade policies, including his controversial remarks about Canada potentially becoming the “51st state.” Carney has committed to maintaining Canada’s retaliatory tariffs if Trump proceeds with his plans to impose a 25% universal tax on Canadian goods that fall outside the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
The looming threat of additional tariffs has intensified the political stakes, with Trump planning to implement further tariffs on April 2, which would be in addition to the existing 25% levies on Canadian steel and aluminum.
The upcoming election is likely to be characterized by a competition primarily between Carney and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. Prior to the escalation of trade tensions, Conservative supporters had enjoyed a considerable lead in many polls, but recent data indicates a tightening race as public sentiment shifts.
As Canadians prepare for the balloting, the Liberal Party will be contending not only with the Conservatives, who hold the official opposition status with 120 seats in the House of Commons, but also with the Bloc Quebecois and the New Democrats (NDP), who possess 33 and 24 seats, respectively.
Source
www.bbc.com