Canada's New PM Calls Snap Polls, Says Trump Wants to 'Break' Country

New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on March 23 called a snap election for April 28, saying he needed a strong mandate to deal with the threat posed by US President Donald Trump, who "wants to break us so America can own us."

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OTTAWA — New Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on March 23 called a snap election for April 28, saying he needed a strong mandate to deal with the threat posed by US President Donald Trump, who "wants to break us so America can own us."

The comments showed the extent to which relations between the US and Canada, two long-time allies and major trading partners, have deteriorated since Mr. Trump imposed tariffs on Canada and threatened to annex it as the 51st US state.

Although the next election is not due until Oct. 20, Mr. Carney is hoping to capitalize on a remarkable recovery by his Liberal Party in the polls since January, when Mr. Trump began threatening Canada and former prime minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation.

Upon being sworn in as prime minister on March 14, Mr. Carney had said he could work with and respected Mr. Trump. On March 23, however, he took a more combative approach.