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As Canadians headed to the polls, the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s rhetoric and actions was impossible to ignore. Many voters felt that Trump’s aggressive stance toward Canada influenced their choices at the ballot box, contributing to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s victory over Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
Trump’s Tariffs and Talk of a '51st State' Stirred Concern
During his first 100 days back in office, Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and joked about Canada becoming America’s 51st state. These comments created unease among Canadians, making the U.S. president an unexpected player in the Canadian election.
Voters voiced concerns over how political parties would respond to Trump's provocations, with many seeing the Liberals as better positioned to defend Canada’s sovereignty.
Voters Share Their Views on Trump’s Impact
Poilievre Sounds Like a Mini-Trump
In Toronto, Reid Warren chose to back the Liberals, citing economic instability and his perception of Poilievre resembling Trump.
"I know people believe in Poilievre, but to me, it’s the same soundbites you hear from Trump. It just feels like a mini-Trump situation," said Warren, who works at a wholesale food distribution center.
While Warren appreciated the national unity Trump’s criticisms fostered among Canadians, he also admitted it stirred significant uncertainty.
Rethinking Canada’s Relationship with the U.S.
Toronto resident Duncan Garrow reflected on the broader relationship between the two countries.
"Hearing repeated talk about us being the 51st state forces us to rethink things. Maybe it’s time to explore stronger international ties and reduce our dependence on the U.S.," he said.
Garrow suggested that while the U.S. will always be a neighbor and ally, Canada could benefit from diversifying its global partnerships.
Conservative Voters Push Back Against Liberal Leadership
Not all voters viewed the situation the same way.
Sisters Laiqa and Mahira Shoaib, who immigrated from Pakistan, expressed dissatisfaction with the Liberal government’s economic management. Voting in Mississauga, Ontario, both cited Trump's tariffs and rhetoric as factors that influenced their decisions.
"The economy was much better when we arrived," said Laiqa, a healthcare worker who voted for the New Democratic Party.
Mahira, who works at a bank and supported the Conservatives, added:
"If Carney stays in power, we’ll basically become the 51st state."
Their comments reflect a broader frustration among some voters seeking economic change.
Conclusion
This election showcased how external factors, especially Trump’s return to the White House, weighed heavily on Canadian voters' minds. With Carney securing another term, Canadians made a statement about their desire to chart their own path — despite growing pressures from their powerful neighbor.
