Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has dissolved Parliament and called a snap election for April 28, citing growing tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump and the need for a renewed mandate to steer the country through economic uncertainty.

The decision, announced on Sunday, comes just two weeks after Carney assumed office, succeeding Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party.

“We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump’s unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty,” Carney said in Ottawa after seeking approval for the dissolution of Parliament from the governor general.

“I’m asking Canadians for a strong, positive mandate to deal with President Trump and to build a new Canadian economy that works for everyone because I know we need change – big change, positive change,” he added.

The election was originally due by October 20, but Carney’s move is seen as an attempt to capitalise on a recent surge in support for the Liberals, particularly after Trump’s aggressive stance towards Canada. The US president’s tariffs on Canadian goods and repeated remarks about annexing Canada have fuelled a nationalist backlash, with many Canadians backing the government's firm response.

Rising tensions with Washington

In recent weeks, Trump’s comments suggesting that Canada should become the 51st US state have triggered outrage. His administration has also imposed steep tariffs on Canadian exports, raising fears of an impending economic downturn.

Against this backdrop, the central issue in the upcoming vote is expected to be which party leader is best equipped to manage Canada’s ties with Washington.

Political analysts suggest that Carney—an economist and former central banker—is viewed by many as the most competent leader to handle Trump’s trade policies and economic fallout.

A recent Ipsos poll placed Carney as the federal party leader with the highest approval rating, with Canadians believing he is best suited to navigate the US-Canada crisis. The Liberals, in power since 2015, have gained momentum following Trudeau’s departure announcement in January and the increasingly hostile rhetoric from Washington.

Carney has vowed to maintain Trudeau’s firm stance against Trump’s tariffs and has signalled that Canada will impose reciprocal countermeasures if required. He has also dismissed the annexation claims, calling them “outrageous” and reaffirming Canada’s sovereignty.

Poilievre’s challenge

Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is gearing up for what is expected to be a tightly contested race.

Poilievre, known for his fiery political style, has drawn comparisons to Trump. However, his stance on handling Canada-US relations has remained less defined, with critics arguing that he has struggled to formulate a clear strategy against Trump’s policies.

Launching his campaign on Sunday, Poilievre criticised the Liberals for their record on the economy and rising living costs, while assuring Canadians that he would stand firm in defending the country’s interests.

“I know a lot of people are worried, angry and anxious — and with good reason — as a result of the [US] president’s unacceptable threats against our country,” Poilievre said.

“I will protect Canada, and I will always put our country first.”

Election dynamics

Polls indicate that the Conservatives and Liberals are now in a tight race, a significant shift from January, when Poilievre’s party held a double-digit lead.

With the election just weeks away, both parties will be seeking to consolidate their support. Experts believe that Carney’s decision to call an early vote is aimed at leveraging his current popularity before political uncertainties shift the electoral landscape.

The election campaign is expected to focus heavily on Canada’s economic future, sovereignty, and its fragile relationship with Washington, making it one of the most consequential in the country’s recent history.