With polls climbing and U.S. tensions rising, Mark Carney takes aim — with a smile — as week three of the federal race begins
Liberal Leader Mark Carney landed in Victoria, B.C. late Sunday and wasted no time making waves — not just by promoting his clean energy vision, but by taking a well-timed jab at Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
Speaking to a crowd at a packed community hall, Carney leaned into his party’s growing momentum and contrasted his vision for Canada’s economic future with the right-leaning approach of provincial leaders like Smith.
“We sent Doug Ford on Fox News to show [Americans] we’re not messing around,” Carney quipped. “And we’re going to send Danielle next… well, maybe we won’t send Danielle. That was a bad idea.”
The line got a big laugh — and set the tone for a campaign stop aimed at drawing sharp lines between Liberal leadership and Conservative influence across Canada.
West Coast Kickoff: Victoria, Vancouver, and a Push for Progress
Carney’s arrival in B.C. marks the beginning of a high-stakes West Coast blitz, as he enters week three of the federal election campaign. His agenda includes:
- A midday policy announcement and press conference in Victoria
- A meeting with B.C. Premier David Eby
- An evening rally in Richmond, where the Liberals hope to solidify support in key suburban ridings
Carney’s message so far? Canada needs to redefine its relationship with the U.S., invest heavily in green energy, and show firm leadership in the face of Trump-era trade threats.
Poll Surge: Liberals on the Rise as Trump Looms Large
According to a new Ipsos poll conducted for Global News, 46% of Canadians say they’d vote Liberal — a 2-point bump from last week. The Conservatives dipped to 34%, and the NDP held steady at 10%.
One major reason for the shift? Voters are deeply concerned about economic uncertainty tied to Donald Trump’s tariff threats, which have already rattled steel and auto industries.
Carney’s Dig: A Blend of Wit and Warning
Carney’s cheeky comments about Danielle Smith weren’t just comic relief — they were calculated. Smith recently positioned herself as a sympathetic voice to Trump-aligned U.S. policies, even appearing on Breitbart News to suggest Pierre Poilievre’s worldview would better match “the new direction in America.”
Carney’s retort: Canada needs independent leadership, not one that mirrors the shifting winds in Washington.
And when his microphone briefly cut out during a clean energy pitch, Carney shrugged and added with a smile:
“That was Danielle.”
Meanwhile: The Opposition Lines Up
- NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh is in Toronto today after weekend stops out east. He’s pushing bold promises, including national rent control and a plan to guarantee every Canadian access to a family doctor within five years.
- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is wrapping up his West Coast swing with a rally in Edmonton. His focus? A new funding model for addiction treatment, which he says could help 50,000 Canadians.
A Global View: Carney Talks Trade with the U.K.
While critics label him as too “establishment,” Carney is flexing his global experience. On Sunday, his office confirmed he spoke with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss deepening trade relations — a move that reinforces his position as a diplomatic heavyweight in a race filled with populist soundbites.
Final Take: A New Phase, A Sharper Tone
Week three of the federal election is kicking off with clearer contrasts, rising poll drama, and sharper elbows. As the campaign map shifts westward, Carney’s Liberal Party is betting that a mix of policy, personality, and playful jabs can keep their momentum going — especially in battleground provinces like British Columbia and Alberta.
Whether voters see humor or hubris in his digs at Danielle Smith, one thing’s clear: the gloves are off — and the mic is hot.
