Canada on Edge: PM Mark Carney Calls for Snap Election, Claims Trump Wants to 'Break Us'

Canadian Prime Minister Announces Snap Election for April 28

In a dramatic political move, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for a snap federal election to be held on April 28, citing mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent trade policies and rhetoric.

“I have just asked the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call a federal election on April 28,” Carney announced Sunday via X (formerly Twitter). “We need to build the strongest economy in the G7. We need to deal with President Trump’s tariffs.” ErikaWittlieb / Pixabay

Trump Imposes 25% Tariffs on Canadian and Mexican Imports

Earlier this month, Trump slapped 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, sparking tensions and economic uncertainty across North America. Carney, a former banker and recent political outsider who rose to power following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, is positioning himself as a bulwark against what he calls Trump’s attacks on Canadian sovereignty. Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Carney Responds to U.S. Trade Actions and Sovereignty Remarks

“We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump’s unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty,” Carney said in remarks from Ottawa, Business Insider reported.

The prime minister didn’t mince words, saying, “President Trump claims that Canada isn’t a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen. We’re over the shock of the betrayal, but we should never forget the lessons.” Policy Exchange / Wikimedia

Trump Suggests Canada Could Become 51st U.S. State

President Donald Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, a notion that has been met with firm rejection by Canadian officials.

In January 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded firmly to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion of annexing Canada, stating there was “not a snowball’s chance in h***” of such an outcome. Dan Scavino / Wikimedia

Carney and Poilievre Prepare for High-Stakes Federal Election

According to The New York Times, Carney’s call for a quick election was widely anticipated. He currently does not hold a seat in Parliament, and the Liberal Party lacks a governing majority. The election will pit Carney against Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre in what is shaping up to be a high-stakes contest. World Economic Forum / Wikimedia