Mark Carney’s rival,populist Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre,was in the lead until US President Donald Trump took aim at Canada with a trade war and threats to annex the country as the 51st state.
Canadian voters will choose their next government largely based on who they think is the best person to deal with the upheaval,threats and animosity being thrown at them from Washington.
Just two months ago,Canada’s prime minister was in trouble. Then along came the US President.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlines Canada's response to the US decision to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.
In a pointed barb,Trudeau said the US was starting a trade war with its closest allies at the same time as it was “appeasing Vladimir Putin,a lying,murderous dictator”.
Theories include the president’s failed hotel ventures,his transactional view of the world – and a 2019 photograph that seemingly showed a dashing Justin Trudeau poised to kiss the first lady.
In a subterranean bar in Montreal,Wil Hanbridge has just restocked his shelf – this time without American whisky.
Donald Trump just aimed his most powerful weapon at his closest trade allies and has gained nothing substantial.
The warning to Canada came as the US president said consumers might suffer “pain” from his taxes on goods imported from America’s three biggest trading partners.
The re-elected US president is now a wildcard in the Australian federal election and presents a diabolical challenge for whoever wins it.