New Canadian PM Carney calls snap election in April

Liberal leader has reversed party’s fortunes and leads polls

- ANDY GREGORY

Canada’s new prime minister Mark Carney has called a snap election for 28 April, as he seeks to capitalise on a surge of support galvanised by threats from Donald Trump.

The former Bank of England governor, who assumed the premiership a fortnight ago from his Liberal ally Justin Trudeau, now has five weeks to persuade the country to continue backing his party after 10 years in power.

Although the next election was not due until 20 October, the previously under-fire Liberal Party has seen a remarkable resurgence in the polls since January, when Mr Trump began threatening Canada’s economy and sovereignty, and Mr Trudeau announced his resignation.

Announcing the snap poll, Mr Carney said yesterday: “We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of President Trump’s unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty.

“There is so much more to do to secure Canada. To invest in Canada, to build Canada, to unite Canada. That’s why I’m asking for a strong positive mandate from my fellow Canadians.”

In addition to sparking a trade war with Washington’s northerly ally just days after taking office, Mr Trump has repeatedly insisted that Canada should become the 51st state of America, and on Friday even acknowledged that he had “totally changed” the political dynamic in Canada with his threats.

Polls now suggest the Liberals, who had badly trailed the Conservatives at the start of the year, are now slightly ahead of their rivals – who have sought to portray Mr Carney as an elitist who plans to continue the Trudeau-era policy of high government spending.