Carney will seek strong mandate to fight off neighbor's threats

Canada's new prime minister Mark Carney was expected to announce snap elections, seeking a stronger mandate as his country fights off a trade war and annexation threats from Donald Trump.

The former central banker was chosen by the centrist Liberal Party to replace Justin Trudeau as prime minister, but he has never faced the broader Canadian electorate.

That will change on April 28 if, as expected, Carney announces he is bringing parliamentary elections forward several months from October.

Government sources said he would announce the decision past midnight, Hong Kong time, in a speech to Canada's 41 million-strong nation.

In power for a decade, the Liberal government had slid into deep unpopularity, but Carney will be hoping to ride a wave of Canadian patriotism to a new majority - thanks to Trump's threats.

Trump has riled his northern neighbor by repeatedly dismissing its sovereignty and borders as artificial, and urging it to join the United States as the 51st state.

"In this time of crisis the government needs a strong and clear mandate," Carney said.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE