Liberal Leader Mark Carney fired up supporters in his hometown of Edmonton on Sunday afternoon, drawing about 1,000 people to a campaign rally on the eve of the federal election.
With 500 filling a packed indoor venue and another 500 gathered outside, the former Bank of Canada governor delivered a fiery speech attacking U.S. President Donald Trump and promising a bold vision for Canada’s future.
Carney, who also served as governor of the Bank of England, took aim at Trump’s trade policies, accusing the U.S. of economic overreach. He touted Canada’s counter-tariffs, claiming revenue is already supporting affected workers.
He vowed to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers by July 1 if elected, ushering in a new era of free trade within Canada. Carney also pledged to transform Canada into an “energy superpower,” a nod to Alberta’s oil and gas sector, which resonated strongly with the crowd.
The event was much smaller than the recent Pierre Poilievre event in nearby Leduc, which attracted between 11,000 and 15,000 people.
At one point, a supporter shouted “no fascists here” during Carney’s criticism of U.S. policies. Carney leaned into the sentiment, calling for “maximum damage” against American economic pressures and urging Canadians to unite against external threats.
The rally wasn’t all about foreign policy. Carney addressed Canada’s mental health and addiction crisis, calling for greater cooperation among provinces and communities.
The high point came outside, where Carney climbed into the bed of a pickup truck to address the overflow crowd. Free from his teleprompter, he spoke with authenticity and confidence, connecting with supporters.
A robust security presence, including personal detail and Edmonton Police Service officers, ensured the event ran smoothly both inside and out.
Carney’s rally comes as polls show a tight race between the Liberals and Conservatives, with economic concerns and Canada-U.S. relations dominating the campaign.
Born in Fort Smith, N.W.T., and raised in Edmonton, Carney’s homecoming event aimed to energize Alberta voters in a province traditionally skeptical of Liberal policies.
As Canadians head to the polls Monday, Carney’s message of economic resilience, national unity, and a reimagined energy sector will be put to the test.
Whether his bold promises and anti-Trump rhetoric will propel him to victory — or lead to a humbling fall — remains to be seen.