• Trump offered 'zero tariffs' for Canada if it became the 51st state.
• The election saw a surge in nationalism, influenced by Trump's threats.
• Mark Carney's Liberal Party won but fell short of a majority.
• Majority of early voters expressed concerns over domestic issues, not just Trump.
• Canadians prepared to resolve their future amidst growing tensions with the U.S.

As millions of Canadians participated in the recent election, U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines with his controversial offer of "zero tariffs" for Canada, contingent on it becoming the "beloved 51st state." This proposal ignited fierce debate among Canadian political leaders, with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre asserting, "President Trump, stay out of our election," emphasizing Canada’s sovereignty. Liberal Party leader Mark Carney echoed this sentiment, warning that Trump's ambitions threaten Canadian independence, a stance pivotal during the election discourse, according to Indiatimes.

The election unfolded against the backdrop of increasing tensions between the U.S. and Canada, notably due to Trump’s trade policies and annexation threats. With votes being counted on April 29, polling indicated a shift in sentiment towards the Liberal Party, led by new Prime Minister Carney. This shift was attributed to Trump's unpopular remarks, which seemed to rally Canadian voters towards patriotism, as evidenced by a projected lead for Carney's party close to the election, according to Le Monde.

Trump's assertion that Canada would face "ZERO TARIFFS" directly influenced the election’s narrative, prompting a variety of reactions. The populist Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre faced criticism for his approach to Trump, with his campaign aimed at focusing on domestic issues. However, the election discussion gravitated towards U.S.-Canada relations, driving voters to consider candidates' capabilities in addressing external pressures, as highlighted by numerous constituents expressing concerns over Trump's impact on Canada’s sovereignty and economy, according to Channel News Asia.

In his post-election analysis, Trump claimed credit for shifting electoral momentum, saying he was “disliked enough by Canadians” to affect the outcome, which led to the Liberal Party securing a minority government. Despite mixed results, Carney's victory speech emphasized the risks posed by Trump's aspirations, stating, “America wants our land, our resources, our water, our country.” This highlights the significant role Trump's rhetoric played in shaping the political landscape during the campaign, according to Newsweek.

The election also marked a critical point for both major political parties in Canada, where concerns over trade agreements and domestic policies were intertwined with rising sentiments of nationalism. The landscape has changed significantly since the start of the campaign, moving from a Conservative-led outlook to a more balanced dialogue recognizing how U.S. politics can influence Canadian sovereignty and economic stability. This shift has also fueled discussions about the upcoming need for renegotiations in trade agreements moving forward, according to Indiatimes and Channel News Asia.