Mark Carney’s Liberals took a majority election in the Canadian federal election of April 28, 2025. They won themselves a fourth mandate in office even as they came under intense campaign fire from U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney, who is regarded as both a political rookie and one of the world’s most esteemed economists, now faces the challenge of navigating a two-party system in Canada’s parliament, as his government works to defend the country’s interests and foster unity among its people.
On election night, Carney declared, “When we chase after unity, that’s when unity increases.” He focused on his responsibility to unite Canadians to meet external, global threats. His thinking will center around the interests of youth and families. The latter are hoping for a different and more promising future through his leadership.
Carney’s rise to become Prime Minister would be the third act of a remarkable comeback by Canada’s Liberal Party. His campaign was a showcase of this contrast to the dumpster fire that has been the political landscape under Trump’s divisive rhetoric. Both Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre committed to repelling any U.S. moves to absorb Canada. Their bipartisan commitment serves as a reminder of one of the last times political leaders from both parties stood together against foreign threats.
In a campaign characterized by relentless attack, Carney’s Liberals were all but crowned as the salvation of Canadian federalism. Allies like Sean Fraser accused Poilievre of adopting a “Trumpian style of politics,” further polarizing the political discourse. Despite the divisive environment, Carney extended a hand to Poilievre on election night, advocating for cooperation, particularly in defending Canada against American expansionism.
“While we will do our constitutional duty of holding government to account and proposing better alternatives, we will always put Canada first as we stare down tariffs and other irresponsible threats from President Trump. Conservatives will work with the prime minister and all parties with the common goal of defending Canada’s interests and getting a new trade deal that puts these tariffs behind us while protecting our sovereignty and the Canadian people.” – Pierre Poilievre
During his victory speech, which you can see online at CBC News, Carney admitted that humility should play a major role in good governance. He stated, “Humility underscores the importance of governing as a team in cabinet and in caucus and working constructively with all parties across Parliament.” This new approach will be key. Yet he’ll be at the head of a government which would require cooperation from his opponents, allies, and all factions to reach its goals.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges. Carney’s new federal government will have to negotiate such a trade mega-deal that removes barriers at the provincial border, but protects Canadian sovereignty. The requirement for bipartisanship is more urgent than ever, particularly given the uncharted and incendiary waters Canada is navigating with its southern neighbor.
Elaine Forbes expressed her support for Carney’s leadership, stating, “We have a guy down south talking smack about Canada, I think it’s important we have a strong leader to stand up to him, he needs to show us some respect.” This reaction speaks to the strain that many Canadians are feeling as tensions are rising everywhere.
Though those electoral results are promising for Carney, there is still anger behind the scenes among members of the opposition parties. Jamil Jivani articulated the Conservative perspective, noting their ambition to regain trust and position themselves favorably for future elections: “I don’t know what tomorrow holds – my focus though is on all the young people, all the parents, the moms, the dads who came to us and trusted us to offer an alternative a brighter future.”
“Canadians do not want us to continually talk about what’s wrong with the other party we may be competing against, they want us to put our ideas on the table and work together to get things done.” – Sean Fraser
