Mark Carney, Canada’s new prime minister, spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump after his election win on Monday. The leaders agreed to meet soon. They also highlighted the importance of Canada and the U.S. working together as sovereign, independent nations.
The Mark Carney Canada election result gave his Liberal Party 169 projected seats—just three short of a majority in the 338-seat House of Commons. This outcome means Carney must now rely on support from other parties to govern. He’ll face pressure to build alliances and pass legislation while preparing for crucial trade talks with the U.S.
Trump’s trade tariffs and comments about Canada’s sovereignty were a major issue in the campaign. Despite that, Carney’s Liberals saw a strong rebound. In a BBC interview, Carney said Canada “deserves respect” and that any new U.S.-Canada partnership must happen “on our terms.” He also dismissed Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S. state, calling it “never, ever going to happen.”
The White House echoed Trump’s stance. Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly said, “The election does not affect President Trump’s plan to make Canada America’s cherished 51st state.”
Carney will likely work with the New Democrats and Bloc Québécois in Parliament. Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet has called for a “truce” among parties. He said Canada needs stability during sensitive trade negotiations and urged other leaders to avoid triggering a confidence vote soon.
The new government is also focused on domestic challenges. Carney has promised to tackle the housing crisis and deliver tax relief for lower- and middle-income Canadians. He must also prepare to host the G7 Summit this June in Alberta.
Carney, a former central banker in both Canada and the UK, only took over from Justin Trudeau last month. His election marks a major comeback for the Liberals, who were expected to collapse just months ago.
The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, finished second with 144 seats. Poilievre lost his own seat and will not return to Parliament. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh also lost his seat and has announced plans to step down.
Despite their losses, both major parties gained in national vote share. The boost came at the expense of smaller parties like the NDP, which lost around 12 percentage points. Voter turnout stood at 67%.
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New U.S. ambassador Pete Hoekstra released a video statement praising bilateral ties. He pledged to support progress between the two nations.
The Mark Carney Canada election outcome sets the stage for complex U.S.-Canada talks. With a minority government and cross-party cooperation needed, Carney faces immediate political tests. Still, early signs suggest both leaders are willing to engage. The months ahead will reveal whether this fresh start brings real results.