Recent discussions in liberal media have focused on the potential for dissent within the Conservative Party, particularly regarding its leader, Pierre Poilievre. Some commentators speculate that discontented Conservatives may shift their support to the Liberal government, which is seeking to solidify its parliamentary majority. The prevailing narrative suggests that the Liberals are eager for Conservative disintegration but hope it does not lead to Poilievre's removal, viewing him as a weak opponent in the political arena.

Polls indicated that Poilievre had a significant lead over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, particularly towards the end of Trudeau's leadership. This shift followed Trudeau's comments to President-elect Donald Trump, warning that higher U.S. tariffs could harm Canada's economy. This issue of resisting American influence became a rallying point for the Liberals, with Mark Carney emerging as a prominent voice. He claimed that Trump was attempting to undermine Canada and positioned himself as a defender of the nation, promising to lead with courage.

Historians may debate whether Poilievre should have taken a more aggressive stance against Carney's rhetoric. Critics argue that the notion of Trump seeking to annex Canada was unfounded. Some, including Doug Ford, suggested extreme measures, such as cutting off electricity and oil exports to the U.S., to illustrate the potential consequences of American policies. Ultimately, Poilievre's failure to adopt a more confrontational approach may have contributed to his narrow loss in the election.

The political landscape also saw a decline in support for the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Bloc Québécois, as concerns grew among Quebec voters about being overshadowed by a dominant anglophone nation. Despite these challenges, Poilievre performed well, coming within two points of a Liberal-NDP coalition and gaining 15 seats in Ontario. He also garnered significant support from younger voters aged 18 to 35.

In political terms, Carney's performance, despite its theatrical nature, proved effective. Trump's views on Canada, shaped by his belief that increased tariffs would lead to economic collapse, did not resonate with many Canadians. He suggested that Canadians might prefer to join the U.S. for economic benefits, not recognizing that many view the U.S. as a country with high crime rates and social issues. This disconnect highlights the differing perspectives between American and Canadian values, particularly regarding governance and social welfare.