Trump wanted to break us

*By Mark bd

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party won a decisive victory that demonstrated Canadians' preference for continuity over change and secured another term in office, albeit with a minority government. The Liberals were able to withstand a significant challenge from Erin O'Toole's Conservatives in the election, which was framed as a referendum on leadership during turbulent times. But one of the most striking moments of the post-election commentary came from former Bank of Canada and Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, who declared, **"Trump wanted to break us, but Canadians chose to come together." **

##**A Nod to External Pressures**

Carney’s remark was a clear reference to the often-contentious relationship between Canada and the United States during Donald Trump’s presidency. Trump’s "America First" policies—including aggressive trade renegotiations, tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel, and public criticism of Trudeau—put significant strain on the two nations’ historically close ties. At times, it seemed as though the U.S. administration was deliberately testing Canada’s resilience, particularly during the NAFTA renegotiations, which resulted in the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement).

Despite these pressures, Trudeau’s government managed to maintain stability, steering Canada through the COVID-19 pandemic with expansive fiscal support and a robust vaccination campaign. Carney, a respected economist and potential future leadership contender for the Liberals, suggested that the election result was a rejection of divisive politics—a subtle contrast to the polarization seen south of the border.

## **A Minority Win, But a Clear Message**

While the Liberals fell short of a majority, their victory signaled that a majority of Canadians were not ready to embrace the Conservative Party’s shift toward a more centrist but still uncertain platform. O'Toole had tried to modernize the conservative image by rejecting Trump-style rhetoric and supporting carbon pricing (albeit in a different way). However, Trudeau's experience was ultimately favored by concerns regarding healthcare, climate change, and pandemic recovery. Carney’s comments also hinted at a broader theme in Canadian politics: the desire for unity in the face of global instability. Whether dealing with trade wars, pandemic disruptions, or climate crises, Trudeau’s Liberals have positioned themselves as the party of steady, progressive governance—a stark contrast to the upheavals seen in other Western democracies.

## **What Comes Next? **

Trudeau will now have to navigate a fragmented Parliament with the support of the left-leaning NDP or Bloc Québécois to pass important legislation now that he has been granted another term. Meanwhile, speculation regarding Carney's own political ambitions has grown as a result of his well-publicized endorsement of the Liberals. Could he be a future leader? For now, his words serve as a reminder that while external forces—like Trump’s disruptive tenure—may test Canada’s resolve, the country’s political landscape remains firmly rooted in its own values.

Canada's election shows that democracies can't fall apart as the world watches how they deal with rising populism and crises. It is coming together. *[ Mark bd ] is a political analyst and writer covering North American politics and economics. Follow them on [Social Media Handle]. *

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Would you like any adjustments in tone or focus? The Trump-Canada dynamic is emphasized in this version, but if you prefer, I can shift more toward domestic policy.