Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney calls for early elections

Mark Carney has argued for a strong mandate to counter the threat from US President Donald Trump, who he accuses of seeking to "break Canada up so the US can control us".

The strong statements reflect a sharp deterioration in relations between the two longtime neighbors, who are important trading partners. Tensions flared after Mr. Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and even threatened to annex Canada as the 51st state of the United States.

Mr. Mark Carney. Photo: World Economic Forum

Although the general election is scheduled for October 20, Prime Minister Carney is capitalizing on the Liberals' remarkable recovery in the polls since January, when Mr Trump began threatening Canada and former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation.

After taking office on March 14, Prime Minister Carney initially took a conciliatory tone, saying he respected and could work with Mr Trump. However, on Sunday, he took a much tougher stance.

"We are facing the biggest crisis of our lifetime due to President Trump's unfair trade practices and threats to our sovereignty," Carney said after the Governor General approved the dissolution of Parliament and the holding of elections.

"We have to build a strong economy and a safer Canada. President Trump thinks Canada is not a real country. He wants to break us up so the United States can control us. We will not let that happen."

On March 6, President Trump delayed imposing 25% tariffs on some Canadian goods for 30 days, but has since imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum, and threatened to impose tariffs on other goods, including dairy and lumber, on April 2.

Prime Minister Carney, a former two-term central bank governor, has no political or election experience, but won the Liberal leadership two weeks ago by convincing party members that he was the man to take on Mr Trump.

Now he has just five weeks to convince voters. On Sunday, Mr Carney announced a plan to cut income taxes by 1% for the lowest income group.

According to the latest polls, the Liberals, who were far behind the Conservatives at the beginning of the year, are now leading by a small margin.

“This election used to be about change. Now it’s become a battle about leadership,” said Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs.

Cao Phong (according to CBS, Reuters, CNN)