In a dramatic move today, March 23, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve the 44th Canadian Parliament, officially triggering a federal election scheduled for April 28.
The dissolution, confirmed by a proclamation under the Great Seal of Canada, marks the start of a brisk 36-day campaign period—the shortest allowed under Canadian law—driven by escalating tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.
Carney, who assumed the Liberal Party leadership and premiership just weeks ago on March 14 following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, framed the election as a critical response to what he called “the most significant crisis of our lifetimes.” He pointed to Trump’s threats of 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and provocative statements about annexing Canada as direct challenges to national sovereignty.
“Canadians deserve a clear choice on who will stand up for our country,” Carney declared after the dissolution, emphasizing his intent to counter Trump’s policies with reciprocal trade measures and a staunch defence of Canadian independence.
The snap election disrupts the fixed election date of October 20, 2025, set by the Canada Elections Act, reflecting the urgency of the moment. Political analysts suggest Carney’s decision capitalizes on a recent surge in Liberal support—polls show the party at 37.5% compared to the Conservatives’ 37.1%—fueled by a wave of nationalism sparked by Trump’s rhetoric.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, launching his campaign in Sudbury, Ontario, vowed to “transform anxiety into action” and position Canada as a self-reliant power, while distancing himself from comparisons to Trump.
With 343 seats up for grabs under a new electoral map based on the 2021 census, the race promises to be fiercely contested. The New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, and the Bloc Québécois, under Yves-François Blanchet, trail with 11.6% and 6.4% support, respectively, but could play kingmaker roles in a potential minority government. As the campaign kicks off, the stakes are high: the next government will navigate not only domestic priorities but also a precarious relationship with Canada’s largest trading partner.
