Canadians will head to polls next month as prime minister Mark Carney called a snap federal election scheduled for April 28.
The decision, announced on Sunday, came just 10 days after Carney was sworn in as PM.
The election comes amid escalating tensions between Canada and the United States, notably US president Donald Trump’s aggressive trade actions and threats to annex the country.
Speaking after calling the election, Carney highlighted the need for a strong mandate to address Trump’s actions.
"We are facing the most significant crisis of our lifetimes because of president Trump's unjustified trade actions and his threats to our sovereignty,” Carney said.
"Our response must be to build a strong economy and a more secure Canada. President Trump claims that Canada isn't a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen."
Carney’s decision to call the election early is also strategic, with his government facing a potential no-confidence vote.
The Liberals are hoping to capitalize on a recent surge in popularity amid Trump’s threats. Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre until recently had been leading in many opinion polls.
The next election was not due until October 20. The early campaign, lasting 37 days, is the shortest allowed by law.