Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party is projected to win Canada’s 2025 federal election, securing a fourth consecutive term. This unexpected victory follows a surge in Canadian nationalism, prompted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and economic threats, including suggestions of turning Canada into the 51st U.S. state and imposing trade tariffs.
Carney, a former central banker, took over the Liberal leadership in March after Justin Trudeau’s resignation amid economic concerns. He successfully turned the party’s fortunes around by adopting a strong anti-Trump stance, vowing to uphold Canada’s sovereignty and responding to U.S. tariffs with retaliatory measures.
However, the Liberal resurgence has intensified feelings of Western alienation, particularly in Alberta and Saskatchewan. These provinces have long felt marginalized within Confederation, perceiving that Eastern Canada, especially Ontario and Quebec, receives disproportionate political representation and economic benefits.
Premier Danielle Smith slammed the federal Liberals for continuing to push policies that ignore Alberta’s economic reality and priorities. She accused Prime Minister Carney of treating Alberta like an afterthought, demanding that Ottawa scrap its tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles — a move that has triggered retaliatory tariffs on key Alberta exports like canola and pork. Smith warned that unless Ottawa starts respecting Alberta’s industries and autonomy, frustration in the province will only deepen.
The sense of Western alienation is further exacerbated by the perception that Eastern Canada treats Western provinces as economic colonies, exploiting their natural resources while imposing policies that hinder their development. This sentiment has led to the rise of regional protest parties and movements advocating for greater autonomy or even independence.
As Carney prepares to form his government, addressing the concerns of Western Canadians will be crucial. Failure to do so risks deepening regional divides and fueling separatist sentiments. The Prime Minister’s ability to bridge these divides will be a defining challenge of his leadership.
