Liberals retain power in Canada for the fourth consecutive time.
The Canadian Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, managed to retain power after the general elections held on Monday, April 28, according to preliminary results announced by "CTV News".
However, forecasts suggest that the party may fail to achieve the parliamentary majority needed to support its negotiating position with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding controversial tariffs.
The Liberals needed to win 172 out of 343 seats in the House of Commons to form an independent majority government, but preliminary results showed them securing 156 seats, while the Conservatives came in second with 145 seats.
All eyes are now on British Columbia, where polling stations closed late, as the results there could determine the fate of forming the government.
Carney and His Tough Stance Towards Washington
During his election campaign, Carney emphasized his intention to take a tough approach in negotiations with the United States, warning that Canada might have to spend billions of dollars to reduce its economic dependence on its southern neighbor.
He also highlighted his economic expertise, considering it qualifies him to deal with Trump's escalating policies.
On the other hand, the Conservatives, belonging to the center-right, showed a strong and unexpected performance in the elections, calling for change after more than nine years of Liberal rule.
Trump... A Significant Factor in the Campaign
Donald Trump reemerged as a significant factor in the Canadian political scene last week when he threatened to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian cars, stating that the United States "does not want these cars".
He also reposted previous statements on social media on Monday, calling for Canada to be annexed as "the fifty-first American state," mocking the border between the two countries.
Trump wrote: "Good luck to the great people of Canada... Elect the man who has the strength and wisdom to cut your taxes in half, and increase your military power, for free, to the highest level in the world."
He added: "Quadruple your business in cars, steel, aluminum, lumber, energy, and all your economic sectors four times, without any fees or taxes, if Canada becomes the fifty-first state dear to our hearts in the United States. We will not return to the artificial borders drawn long ago."
Liberals Making a Strong Comeback
These elections mark a strong comeback for the Liberals, who were trailing by 20 points in January before the resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the escalating threats of U.S. tariffs.
Trump's statements ignited a national wave that bolstered support for Carney, seen as a new face in Canadian politics despite his previous experience leading central banks in G7 countries.
Minority governments in Canada rarely last more than two and a half years, posing significant challenges for the Liberals if the current election results are confirmed.
While the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation predicted a Liberal victory, it has not yet determined whether the outcome will lead to a majority or minority government.
The Canadian economy had been experiencing a slow recovery before the United States began imposing tariffs, affecting the bilateral relations between
