Canadian PM Mark Carney to call snap election, vote expected as early as April 28

While a final decision has not yet been made on whether the election will take place on April 28 or May 5, sources say an announcement is expected soon.

Carney was sworn in as prime minister on March 14, just days after securing the leadership of the Liberal Party. His decision to call an election means Parliament, which was set to return Monday after a two-month prorogation, will remain inactive. This move allows Carney to bypass presenting a throne speech and avoids any immediate confidence votes in the House of Commons. Additionally, Carney does not currently hold a seat in Parliament.

Since former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation and the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, the Liberals have seen an uptick in various polls. The latest Nanos survey, released Tuesday, shows the Conservatives leading by just one point, holding 35 percent of voter support, while the Liberals are at 34 percent.

The primary issue likely to shape the election will be Canada’s relationship with the US, especially regarding Trump’s trade policies. According to Nanos, US relations rank as the top national concern for 26.8 percent of Canadians, followed by jobs and the economy at 16.7 percent.

Carney has not yet spoken with US President Donald Trump, despite being sworn into office last Friday. He has said “he’s ready to meet with Trump if he shows respect for Canadian sovereignty.”

Carney led the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crash and later became the first noncitizen to head the Bank of England in 2013, where he helped manage the fallout from Brexit.

Unlike his predecessors, Carney comes from a financial background rather than politics. A former Goldman Sachs executive, he has stated that his main focus will be protecting Canadian workers from unfair trade measures and expanding the economy.

Trump’s trade policies have already put Canada in a difficult position. He imposed a 25 percent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum and has threatened to extend tariffs to all Canadian goods starting April 2.