Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and his Liberal Party are projected to retain power following the 45th federal election, securing enough seats to form the government.

Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau after the latter’s resignation amid a loss of party support, led the Liberals to a fourth consecutive term, a rare feat in Canadian politics.

Key figures in the election campaign included Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and Green Party co-Leader Jonathan Pedneault. The election was regarded as one of the most unpredictable in Canadian history.

The election took place amid heightened tensions with the U.S., following trade threats from President Donald Trump, who repeatedly referred to Canada as the “51st state” of the United States.

According to an IPSOS poll conducted by Global News, the Liberals held a four-point lead heading into Monday’s vote.

The election was called earlier than scheduled after Carney, who was newly appointed Prime Minister, dissolved Parliament to seek a fresh mandate. He framed the election as a response to what he described as “the most significant crisis of his lifetime,” stemming from Trump’s trade actions and threats to Canadian sovereignty.

Carney’s strong economic credentials as a former central banker, along with his firm stance against Trump’s rhetoric, earned him high approval ratings among federal leaders and, ultimately, the trust of Canadian voters.

Carney’s predecessor, Justin Trudeau, saw his tenure marked by strained relations with India following his controversial claim that the Indian government was involved in the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Nijjar. In contrast, Carney has publicly advocated for improving ties with India, sending condolences following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

(ANI)