Canada's prime minister Mark Carney announces April 28 election, seeks mandate to 'deal with' Trump

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Sunday that a federal election will take place next month as he seeks a "positive mandate to deal with President Trump" on trade and other issues.

Carney met with Governor-General Mary Simon earlier on Sunday and made a request for Parliament to be dissolved.

Carney will run against Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre on April 28.

“I’m asking Canadians for a strong, positive mandate to deal with President Trump and to build a new Canadian economy that works for everyone because I know we need change, big change, positive change,” Carney said on Sunday.

Poilievre said he would ensure the “independence and sovereignty of Canada” is recognized in negotiations with Trump on matters like trade.

“I will strengthen our country so that we can be capable of standing on our own two feet and standing up to the Americans where and when necessary,” he said on Sunday.