Cliff Notes – Canada’s PM Carney projected to win election — reports

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal party is projected to secure victory, currently leading with 133 of the needed 172 seats for a majority in Canada’s federal election.
The election saw approximately 29 million Canadians participate, with significant concern over the cost-of-living crisis and US President Trump‘s remarks impacting voter sentiment.
Trump’s campaign rhetoric, perceived as detrimental, may have contributed to Conservative Pierre Poilievre’s struggles, as Canadians reacted against his influence by voting early and showing decreased interest in US goods.

Canada’s PM Carney projected to win election — reports

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal party won Canada’s federal election, according to Tuesday projections by Canadian broadcasters CTV and CBC News.

Polls have closed but the final result could depend on the western province of British Columbia, where polls closed last.

The Liberal party had not yet secured the 172 out of 343 electoral seats needed for a majority, reported CBC. The Liberals were leading with 133 seats, and the Conservatives had 93.

What else do we know about Canada’s snap election?

Around 29 million Canadians voted in the country’s snap election. The first polling stations to open in the massive G7 country that spans six time zones were in the Atlantic province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Current Prime Minister and Liberal leader Mark Carney was up against competition from Conservative Pierre Poilievre.

The country has been facing a cost-of-living crisis, and US President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs promise to hit the country’s economy even further.

With 75 per cent of Canada’s exports going to the US, both candidates said they would accelerate efforts to strike a free trade deal between the country and its southern neighbour.

Trump statements take center stage

The statements by US President Donald Trump about Canada becoming the US’ 51st state have played a role during the campaign.

Trump also repeated the call on election day.

“Look how beautiful this land mass would be. Free access with NO BORDER,” Trump posted on his Truth Social account.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney has repeatedly rejected the idea.

“This is Canada- and we decide what happens here,” Carney posted on his X account.

Carney’s challenger Poilievre, too, struck similar tones and called the US president to “stay out” of Canada’s election.

“Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent,” the Conservative leader posted on his X account, concluding that the country will “NEVER be the 51st state.”

Trump-esque campaign hurts Conservatives

Many Canadians responded to Trump’s approach towards the country by refusing to buy US goods and cancelling vacations in their southern neighbour.

Canadians have also reacted by voting early with a record 7.3 million votes being cast before election day.

Carney’s Liberals, which once looked on their way to defeat ahead of Trump’s threats to Canada’s sovereignty and economy, entered election day with them leading in the latest opinion polls, with Conservative Poilievre’s populist campaign and its similarities to the US President potentially costing him the election.