Liberal Leader Expected to Set April 28 Vote as U.S. President Stokes Canadian Nationalism

By NetNewsLedger Political News

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to call a federal election this Sunday, with the vote anticipated for April 28, according to sources. The campaign is likely to center on U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and his renewed talk of Canada as the “51st state.”

Election Countdown Begins

The Liberals, Conservatives, and NDP have already booked campaign planes and buses, and their war rooms are operational in anticipation of the official election call. Sources say the Liberal Party has recruited high-profile candidates, including former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson, ex-CTV host Evan Solomon, and former Quebec finance minister Carlos Leitão.

Polling shows a shift in momentum, with the Liberals now neck-and-neck with the Conservatives after previously trailing by double digits. The growing Canadian nationalist response to Trump’s economic pressure has bolstered the Liberals’ appeal.

Trump’s Influence on the Election

In an unusual move, Trump weighed in on the Canadian election, stating that he would prefer Carney over Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Speaking to Fox News’ Laura Ingraham, Trump dismissed Poilievre and suggested a Liberal government would be easier to negotiate with, though he claimed indifference to the election outcome.

Poilievre responded at a rally in Sudbury, arguing that Trump’s preference for Carney indicates the Liberals’ weak stance on defending Canada’s interests. He also criticized Carney’s role in Brookfield Asset Management’s headquarters move from Toronto to New York while Carney was on the company’s board.

Conservatives Break with Media Tradition

The Conservative campaign has sparked controversy by refusing to allow embedded journalists on its campaign plane and bus—a long-standing political tradition. The party argues that rising travel costs and increased digital access make traditional campaign coverage unnecessary.

Journalism experts warn that this move could limit media access and allow the Conservatives to control which reporters get to ask questions. The Liberals and NDP, by contrast, will continue the standard practice of offering media seats on campaign tours for a fee.

What’s Next?

With the election campaign set to begin within days, party leaders are preparing to make their case to Canadians. The central question of the election remains: which leader is best equipped to handle Donald Trump’s economic and political pressure on Canada?