By Jessica Murphy – Reporting from Toronto
1. The election was dominated by anti-Trump sentiment.
Canadian election 2025: In the end, it became a referendum on Donald Trump, the former US president. The campaign’s tone was influenced by his aggressive trade rhetoric, particularly his demands for taxes on Canadian auto imports.
Never having been elected before, Mark Carney capitalized on the mood. He presented himself as the protector of Canada’s sovereignty in addition to being a Liberal leader. Voters responded favorably to his warning that Trump intended to “break us so America can own us”. Pierre Poilievre, on the other hand, concentrated on internal issues like housing, affordability, and crime—significant problems that eventually took a backseat.
“He was able to distract Canadians from his own mistakes… and say ‘Look south of the border and I can save you,'” acknowledged Trump ally Kevin O’Leary, who acknowledged that Carney’s rhetoric was effective.
2. Mark Carney’s Historic Ascent
Carney became Prime Minister without ever having been elected, which is a first for Canadian politics. The former central banker won the Liberal leadership just months after Justin Trudeau’s sudden resignation and quickly secured a seat in Ottawa.
When Trump’s tariff plans were announced mid-campaign, Carney stepped away from the trail and assumed a statesman role, speaking directly with U.S. officials. That move solidified his image as a capable leader during uncertain times.
3. Conservatives Gained—but Not Enough
Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party is on track to receive over 41% of the vote—more than the 39.6% majority Stephen Harper won in 2011. But despite gaining seats (from 120 to 149), the progressive vote consolidated around the Liberals.
It’s a bitter pill for Conservatives. Just months ago, they had a clear path to victory. Now, the party faces another post-election reckoning—and questions about Poilievre’s leadership.
4. The collapse of the NDP and the resignation of Jagmeet Singh
The New Democratic Party (NDP), which leans left, experienced a severe collapse. Their decline, which saw party leader Jagmeet Singh lose his own seat in British Columbia, was accompanied by a drop from 18% in 2021 to just 5% this year.
Singh stepped down shortly after the results came in, stating: “We’re only defeated if we stop fighting.” The NDP’s decline, paired with the Green Party’s reduced 1% share, signaled a broader leftward consolidation behind the Liberals.
5. Smaller Parties Squeezed Out
While Canada isn’t technically a two-party system, this election looked like one. The Bloc Québécois held steady at 8%, but the overall picture showed voters choosing between Carney’s Liberals and Poilievre’s Conservatives.
As CBC election results and Elections Canada data continue to roll in, it’s clear that Trump’s shadow, Carney’s savvy, and the electorate’s hunger for stability reshaped Canada’s political map.
Source: BBC
