Canada to Hold Early Election Next Month... Economic Expert Kani vs Career Politician Poliev

Canada to Hold Early Election Six Months Ahead Amid Tariff Threats
Liberal and Conservative Parties Nearly Tied in Polls

Canada has decided to hold an early general election six months ahead of the originally scheduled date, setting up a contest between newly appointed Prime Minister Mark Carney (Liberal Party) and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre. Recent opinion polls show a narrow gap between the Liberal and Conservative parties, indicating a fierce battle ahead.

Reuters Yonhap News

According to the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and others, Prime Minister Carney held a press conference on the 23rd (local time) announcing, "The general election vote will be held on April 28, with candidates campaigning for five weeks prior." Under Canadian election law, the original election date was October 20.

Foreign media interpreted Carney's early election move as a response to rising anti-American sentiment triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats and provocations about making Canada the 51st U.S. state, as well as the rising support for the ruling Liberal Party.

Newsweek noted, "In recent weeks, repeated tariff policies by Trump and statements about making Canada the 51st U.S. state have cooled the friendly relationship between Canada and the U.S., leading to this election," and predicted that the relationship between the U.S. and Canada would be a major issue in the upcoming election.

With the early election confirmed, attention is focused on whether Carney's Liberals will revive or Poilievre's opposition will topple the government. Before Trump's tariff war weaponization, the Liberals faced criticism for economic mismanagement and failure to respond to tariff threats, leading to expectations that the Conservatives would easily win the next election. The Financial Times reported that Poilievre enjoyed a comfortable 20-point lead in polls until former Prime Minister Trudeau resigned in early January amid voter dissatisfaction and Trump took office the same month. However, Trump's tariff threats stirred Canadian patriotism, changing the dynamics. Currently, Liberal support (39%) slightly leads Conservative support (37%).

However, since the gap is within the margin of error and can be overturned at any time, a fierce competition to seize victory is expected. The 60-year-old political newcomer Carney is likely to present himself as a 'crisis manager' who can stabilize Canada amid turmoil caused by Trump's tariff attacks.

The Washington Post (WP) commented, "Former Goldman Sachs banker Carney was praised for his leadership of the Bank of Canada during the global financial crisis and the Bank of England during Brexit," adding, "He aims to present himself as a steady, experienced crisis manager that Canada needs during one of the most turbulent moments in modern history." As WP noted, Carney, who served as governor of the central banks of Canada and the UK and gained banking experience at Goldman Sachs, is an economic expert but has a shorter political career than his rival Poilievre.

Poilievre stands in stark contrast to Carney in terms of resume and style. With a long political career, Poilievre has earned a reputation as a leading Conservative attacker and emphasizes "Canada First" by promoting populist conservatism. At one point, he promised to make Canada the capital of virtual assets, arguing that Bitcoin could help Canadians escape inflation. WP summarized his political trajectory since becoming Conservative leader in 2022 as "fighting gatekeepers and advocating for blocking anti-government freedom convoys." He also supports retaliatory tariffs. At last month's Canada First rally, he said, "No matter what burden we bear or what price we pay, we must protect our sovereignty and independence."

Meanwhile, in a recent Fox News interview, President Trump was asked about Canadian polls and replied, "I think it's easier to work with the Liberals." He added, "The Liberals might win," but said, "(Honestly) I don't care at all. It doesn't matter to me." Regarding Poilievre, Trump mockingly said, "Unfortunately, the Conservative candidate running now is not my friend. I don't know him. He has said negative things about me, but I don't care about that either."