How Trump 'helped' Carney win Canada election: A tale of tariffs, sovereignty, and national unity

Liberal Leader Mark Carney makes a campaign stop in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

Mark Carney’s Liberal Party clinched a decisive victory in the Canadian snap election, which was shaped not just by domestic concerns, but by the shadow of Donald Trump. In his victory speech too, Carney said the US President was “trying to break us so that America can own us, that will never ever happen.”

Canada now finds itself at a “hinge moment” of history, Mark Carney said, adding, “Our old relationship of integration with the US is now over.” Describing it as a tragedy, he said, “We are over the shock of the American betrayal, we have to take care of each other.”

Carney said that he and Donald Trump will “discuss the future of two sovereign and independent nations” in the coming days while his government will strengthen partnerships with countries in Europe and elsewhere.

If the US no longer wants to be at the forefront of world leadership, Canada will be, he said, adding, “This is Canada, we decide what happens here.”

The election's backdrop was marked by escalating tensions between Canada and the United States. President Trump's imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods and his provocative suggestion that Canada could become the 51st US state alarmed Canadians across the political spectrum.

Carney, a former central banker with no prior elected office experience, seized this moment to position himself as the defender of Canadian sovereignty. He warned that Trump aimed to "break us so America can own us," a message that resonated with voters concerned about national identity and economic independence.

While campaigning, Carney vowed that every dollar the the government collects from counter-tariffs on US goods will go toward Canadian workers who are adversely affected by the trade war. He also said he plans to keep dental care in place, offer a middle-class tax cut, return immigration to sustainable levels and increase funding to Canada's public broadcaster, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Carney's background as the former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England lent credibility to his promise of steady leadership amid economic uncertainty. He pledged to diversify Canada's trade relationships to reduce reliance on the U.S. market and to implement retaliatory tariffs to protect Canadian industries.

His campaign emphasized unity and resilience, drawing parallels between trade disputes and Canada's national sport: "In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win."

Carney tapped into a surge of Canadian nationalism, emphasizing the importance of protecting Canada's independence and sovereignty. He framed the election as a choice between a strong, independent Canada and one subsumed by American interests.

He contrasted his approach with that of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. While Poilievre initially focused on domestic economic issues, he struggled to address the Trump factor. Critics argued that Poilievre's populist rhetoric was too similar to Trump's, making him appear ill-suited to confront the American president. This perception hurt Poilievre and benefited Carney.

Carney delivered a message of unity, urging Canadians to come together to defend their country against external threats. This message resonated with many voters who were alarmed by Trump's divisive rhetoric.

Carney's victory, though not yet confirmed as a majority, marks a significant shift in Canadian politics. His ascent reflects a public desire for competent, steady leadership in the face of external threats. As he takes office, Carney faces the challenge of navigating Canada's relationship with the US, addressing economic concerns, and maintaining national unity.

In his victory speech, Carney reaffirmed Canada's sovereignty: "America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape or form."