The Liberal Party of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney won the parliamentary elections with 43.2% support - the Conservatives collected 41.7 percent of the vote. This is the fourth consecutive parliamentary election that the Liberals have won. "Let's put an end to the division and anger of the past”, said Mark Carney in his speech after announcing the victory. A few months ago, however, this victory seemed far from certain. What has changed?
A radical change in the election campaign
The parliamentary elections were held in the shadow of Donald Trump's aggressive customs policy and his threats to annex Canada. Even on election day, the American president appealed to Canadians to agree to become part of the United States.
Trump's intervention turned the election campaign in Canada upside down - for a long time, polls showed a large lead for the opposition conservatives. However, the way Mark Carney stood up to Trump has largely consolidated Canadians in his support, writes ARD. A record number of voters cast their votes even before election day, as the Canadian system allows.
Liberal Party economist Mark Carney took Justin Trudeau's place just a few weeks ago, after the country's long-time prime minister resigned due to his low approval ratings.
"Canada First” is no longer an attractive slogan
The 60-year-old Carney has extensive experience in national and international crises. During the financial crisis, the Alberta politician has been the head of Canada's central bank since 2008. Between 2013 and 2020, Carney was the governor of the UK's central bank during the turbulent Brexit period, and then until January this year he was the UN special envoy on climate change, ARD recalls. He advocates closer cooperation with Europe and Asia to reduce trade dependence on the United States.
According to polls, most Canadians believe that Carney will oppose Trump. On the other hand, the political style of Conservative leader Pierre Poiliever clearly bears the influence of Trump. The 45-year-old, who advocates low taxes and cuts to government spending, also talks about fake news, the "woke” ideology of the "radical left” and promises to always put Canada first. The slogan "Canada First" was well-received for a long time - but then came Trump.
In the shadow of other big issues
The campaign focused on issues such as rising housing and rent prices, health care and immigration. The election was also held in the wake of a tragic incident in Vancouver over the weekend: During a street festival organized by the Filipino community, a man drove a car into a crowd, killing at least 11 people. The 30-year-old suspect has been arrested. Police have expressed confidence that this is not an act of terrorism.