Mark Carney has led the Liberal Party to a minority government in Canada’s 45th federal election, capping off a stunning political rise and delivering a major blow to Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who lost his long-held Carleton seat.
Carney’s First Election Ends in Victory
Carney, a former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, became Liberal leader and prime minister in March, following Justin Trudeau’s resignation. Despite having no prior experience as an elected official, Carney’s campaign resonated with Canadians seeking both stability and economic competence. On election night, Carney struck a unifying tone, promising to govern for all Canadians.
“We ran a campaign based on humility, ambition, and unity,” Carney told supporters at his Toronto victory party. “We will serve every Canadian, in every province and territory.”
The Liberals secured or were leading in 168 ridings—four short of a majority—but enough to allow them to continue governing. Carney is expected to seek the support of the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, to pass key legislation.
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Poilievre’s Stunning Defeat in Carleton
The most dramatic moment of the night came in Ottawa’s Carleton riding, where Pierre Poilievre was unexpectedly defeated by Liberal candidate Bruce Fanjoy. Poilievre, who led the Conservatives since 2022, had represented the riding since 2004.
Fanjoy won with over 50% of the vote, a decisive margin in what had been considered a Conservative stronghold. Poilievre did not deliver a concession speech immediately after results were declared, and his campaign team offered no comment on his future.
His defeat not only stunned political observers but also threw the future of Conservative leadership into question. Poilievre had been widely expected to lead a strong Conservative showing, potentially forming government. While the party increased its seat count to 144 and made gains in several regions, it ultimately fell short of overcoming the Liberals.
NDP and Bloc Hold Steady
The New Democrats maintained a strong position, securing 32 seats, and will likely continue to hold the balance of power in the House of Commons. Jagmeet Singh said he was willing to work with Carney’s Liberals “on policies that benefit working Canadians.”
The Bloc Québécois, led by Yves-François Blanchet, remained dominant in Quebec, winning 30 seats. Blanchet praised the party’s showing and reiterated its commitment to defending Quebec’s interests in Parliament.
The Green Party and PPC See Mixed Results
The Green Party won four seats—an improvement from previous elections—helped by strong performances in British Columbia. Leader Elizabeth May called the results “a signal that Canadians want climate leadership to be a central part of federal policy.”
Meanwhile, Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party of Canada (PPC) once again failed to win any seats, though it slightly increased its share of the popular vote. Bernier, who lost his own bid for Parliament in Manitoba, said he would continue to promote his party’s populist platform.
Voter Turnout and Electoral Landscape
Turnout in this election was estimated at 67%, a slight increase from 2021. Voter engagement was particularly strong among young and urban voters, which analysts say may have helped the Liberals and Greens.
Carney’s centrist platform, focused on affordability, climate resilience, and economic modernization, appealed to a broad swath of the electorate. His leadership style—measured and data-driven—also stood in contrast to Poilievre’s more combative and populist tone.
What Comes Next
With a minority mandate, Carney’s Liberals will now begin negotiations with the NDP and other parties to ensure legislative support. Key policy initiatives are expected to include a national pharmacare plan, expanded housing investment, and green infrastructure funding.
Political analysts say Carney’s ability to lead a stable minority government will depend heavily on his collaboration with Singh and maintaining party unity. Meanwhile, the Conservatives face a period of reflection—and potentially, a leadership contest—after Poilievre’s dramatic exit from Parliament.
As Canadians wake up to a new political reality, Mark Carney’s unexpected rise to the top signals a shift in the nation’s political landscape—one driven not by ideology, but by a desire for steady, thoughtful leadership in uncertain times.
