Josh Weiner
In a dramatic political turnaround, Canada’s Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, secured a fourth consecutive term in the federal election held on April 28, 2025. The Liberals won 165 seats in the 343-seat House of Commons, falling short of the 172 needed for a majority, thus setting the stage for another minority government.
A Surprising Comeback
Earlier in the year, the Liberals trailed the Conservative Party by a significant margin in the polls. However, escalating tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump, including threats of tariffs and provocative remarks about annexing Canada, galvanized nationalist sentiment among Canadian voters. This shift in public opinion contributed to the Liberals’ resurgence.
Leadership Changes
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre lost his seat in Carleton, Ontario, and announced his resignation as party leader.Similarly, New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh lost his seat in Burnaby Central and stepped down from his position.
Election Results Overview
- Liberal Party (Mark Carney): 165 seats
- Conservative Party (Pierre Poilievre): 135 seats
- Bloc Québécois: 24 seats
- New Democratic Party (NDP): 5 seats
- Green Party: 1 seat
Carney’s Vision
Prime Minister Carney, a former central banker with no prior elected office experience, emphasized Canadian sovereignty in his victory speech. He pledged to strengthen international alliances, particularly with Europe and the UK, and to navigate the challenging relationship with the Trump administration.
Looking Ahead
As the Liberals prepare to form a minority government, they face the task of addressing domestic challenges such as rising living costs and strained U.S.-Canada relations. The formation of the new cabinet is expected in the coming days.
