Liberal leadership candidate MP Karina Gould says Ottawa could delay the next federal election if a trade war breaks out with the U.S.
"If we are in a full blown tariff war with the U.S., that might be a reason not to go to the polls," Gould told reporters in Fredricton on Thursday.
Liberals elect a new leader, possibly Mark Carney, on March 9. Parliament suspension ends on March 24. The next Canadian federal election is scheduled to take place on October 20, 2025, under the fixed-date provisions of the Canada Elections Act.
"I think we need to see where we are on March 9," said Gould. "I think we need to understand what the situation with the United States is. If we are in a full blown tariff war with the U.S, that might be a reason not to go to the polls, but we are also in a minority government, and so it's actually not just up to the government at the time."
Gould added, "There would have to be an agreement with the opposition parties if we were to do that, but I think whatever decision we take has to be one that is responsible for Canadians."
Is Gould in league with Carney?
At a campaign event, Mark Carney said he supports the use of "emergency powers" to fight back against the Americans in a trade war.
"(Something) my government is going to do is use all of the powers of the federal government, including the emergency powers of the federal government, to accelerate the major projects that we need in order to build this economy and take on the Americans."
Carney's comment has created a firestorm of controversy online — some fear he may use emergency powers, justified by a trade war crisis, to manipulate a positive political outcome for himself and the Liberal Party of Canada and to delay an election.
Section 4(1) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms stipulates that no House of Commons or legislative assembly shall continue for longer than five years from the date fixed for the return of the writs at a general election of its members.
Special circumstances — Section 4(2) provides an exception where, in times of "real or apprehended war, invasion or insurrection," Parliament or a legislative assembly may be continued beyond five years.