Prime Minister Mark Carney's Liberal Party won Canada's federal election on Monday, ending a surprise turn of events sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump's annexation threats and trade war.
After the polls closed, the Liberals were expected to take more of the 343 seats in parliament than the Conservative Party, although it was unclear whether they would be able to achieve an overall majority or would have to rely on one or more smaller parties to form a government and pass legislation.
The Liberals seemed to be in serious trouble until the US president began attacking Canada's economy and threatening its sovereignty, arguing that Canada should become the 51st state.
Trump's actions outraged Canadians and fueled a surge of nationalism that helped the Liberals turn the tide of the election and win a fourth consecutive term.
“We were dead and buried in December. Now we're going to form a government,” David Lametti, a former Liberal justice minister, told CTV.
“We turned things around thanks to Mark,” he added.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre had hoped to turn the election into a referendum on former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose popularity had waned toward the end of his decade in power amid rising food and housing costs.
But after criticism from Mr. Trump, Mr. Trudeau resigned and Mr. Carney, a two-time bank governor, became Liberal leader and prime minister.
In his speech acknowledging his defeat and noting that his seat in the House of Commons was still in question, Mr. Poilievre vowed to continue fighting for Canadians and their right to affordable housing on a safe street.
“We understand that we have not reached the finish line yet,” Mr. Poilievre told supporters in Ottawa.
“We recognize that change is necessary, but it is difficult to achieve. It takes time. It takes effort.
“And that's why we must learn from tonight – so that the next time Canadians decide the future of our country, we can do even better.”
Even as Canadians were dealing with the aftermath of the tragic attack on a Vancouver street festival last weekend, Mr Trump mocked them on Election Day, hinting on social media that he was on their ballots and repeating that Canada should become the 51st state.
He also falsely claimed that the US was subsidizing Canada, stating, “It doesn't make sense until Canada becomes a state!”
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Sourse: breakingnews.ie
