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Your essential overview of what the 2024 US election signifies for Washington and beyond
On Sunday, Prime Minister Mark Carney declared a national election set for April 28, citing “the most significant crisis of our lifetime” stemming from US President Donald Trump.
Carney made this announcement just two weeks after taking over from Justin Trudeau as the leader of Canada’s Liberal party, following a two-month campaign for leadership.
The former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England promised a “middle-class tax cut,” a comprehensive dental plan, and emphasized the need for unity during this challenging time.
“I am seeking your support, so we can stand strong as Canada,” he stated.
The upcoming election pits Carney, a 60-year-old leader without elected office experience but with a Wall Street background, against Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre, a seasoned 45-year-old politician.
“He (Trump) aims to weaken us so that America can dominate us. We will not allow that to occur,” Carney asserted.
The Liberal party’s standing has significantly improved as a result of Trump’s threats of annexation and potential tariffs.
Poilievre initiated his campaign in Ottawa on Sunday, stating that Canada cannot afford another four years under the Liberal party.
“It’s time to prioritize Canada for a change,” he announced.
“A new Conservative government will eliminate taxes, construct homes, reduce waste, hold criminals accountable, secure our borders, and maximize our resources to create jobs and confront Trump from a place of strength.”
Initially, the Conservatives were positioned to easily win the upcoming election due to widespread dissatisfaction with rising living costs and housing availability, which had dented support for the Liberals after nearly a decade of Trudeau’s leadership.
Poilievre previously enjoyed a substantial 20-point lead in polls until Trudeau’s resignation in early January coincided with Trump’s inauguration.
Trump’s aggressive stance and tariff threats have united Canadians against a shared adversary, resulting in a notable shift in support towards the Liberals.
Earlier this month, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed to Breitbart news her request to the White House to “pause” tariffs expected to impact Canada on April 2, aiming to bolster Poilievre and the Conservative party’s electoral prospects.
Poilievre has sought to separate himself from Trump and the Maga supporters allied with the Canadian conservatives.
“First and foremost, I’ve articulated my intention to be the opposite of Donald Trump,” Poilievre remarked on Sunday.
Market research analyst Andrew Enns noted that the election would ultimately hinge on which candidate voters trust to best manage the economy and address Trump.
“Carney undoubtedly has the upper hand at the outset, as the government is leading the charge against the Trump challenges,” he observed.
“However, this election grants Poilievre a chance to advocate for a more prosperous Canadian economy, potentially surpassing what the Liberals have achieved during their nine years in power,” Enns added.
A recent Leger poll indicated that 42 percent of Canadians would opt for the Liberal Party under Carney’s leadership, with 39 percent favoring the Conservatives. This marked the first instance of the Liberals taking the lead, representing a five-point rise in just one week.
Nonetheless, a Sunday poll from Abacus Data revealed that the Conservatives maintained a narrow national lead at 39 percent, closely trailed by the Liberals at 36 percent. Meanwhile, the New Democratic Party, a crucial ally for the Trudeau government, lagged behind at 12 percent.
On Saturday, the Liberal party announced that Carney, who is not yet an elected Member of Parliament, will contest the Nepean constituency in Ottawa’s southwestern region.
“This could be the first election where the leader of the opposition is more recognized than the prime minister,” remarked David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data, commenting on Carney’s recent political entry.
