Chicago – March 23, 2025
New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney called for a snap election on April 28, saying he needed a strong mandate to handle the threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney expressed concern that Trump wants to weaken Canada and make it part of the United States. This shows how badly relations between the two countries have worsened, especially after Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and suggested Canada could become the 51st state.
Although the next election was scheduled for October 20, Carney decided to call for an early vote after seeing a strong recovery in his Liberal Party’s popularity since January. This boost followed Trump’s threats and the resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. When Carney took office on March 14, he said he could work with Trump, but by Sunday, he was taking a more aggressive stance.
Carney told reporters that Canada is facing the most serious crisis in its history because of Trump’s actions, including unfair trade policies and threats to Canada’s sovereignty. He promised that Canada’s response would be to strengthen its economy and ensure the country’s security. Carney said that Trump has claimed Canada is not a real country and wants to break it apart. Carney vowed that Canada would not let this happen.
The White House has not yet responded to Carney’s remarks. Trump has already delayed a tariff on some Canadian goods, but has imposed new tariffs on steel and aluminum, with further tariffs expected on Canadian dairy and lumber starting April 2.
