Legendary musician Neil Young, a dual American-Canadian citizen who has lived in California since 1966, has thrown his support behind Liberal Party leader Mark Carney in the high-stakes race for Canada’s next prime minister. Young’s endorsement, delivered in a heartfelt open letter, comes at a pivotal moment as Carney leads the Liberals into a snap federal election amid rising tensions with the United States and fierce debate over campaign authenticity.

Neil Young’s Endorsement: “I’m With You, Mr. Carney”

In his open letter, Young, born in Toronto and raised in Ontario and Manitoba, reminisced about his Canadian roots and expressed deep concern for the country’s future. Despite his decades-long residence in the U.S. and recent acquisition of American citizenship, Young asserted, “I am a Canadian and always will be. Now a dual citizen, I was born in Toronto…” He praised Carney’s intellect, economic expertise, and resolve, writing, “Mr. Carney, I believe you are the person to do it. I believe you are the person our country needs to lead us through this crazy situation and bring us out the other side as a stronger, smarter, more resilient Canada, our core values of caring and fairness and generosity intact, along with our souls. Without a doubt, you’ve got the chops to get it done. And man, you have got the guts to take it on”.

Young’s message was also laced with criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump, quipping that “the US president could use a soul,” and warning of threats to Canada’s sovereignty from its southern neighbor. The endorsement has been widely shared on social media and picked up by major Canadian and international outlets, further amplifying its impact.

Carney Responds with Gratitude

Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, who succeeded Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, responded warmly to Young’s support, acknowledging the musician’s lifelong advocacy for justice and fairness. Carney’s campaign, which has surged in polls since the election call, has positioned itself as a bulwark against Trump’s aggressive trade policies and rhetoric about making Canada the “51st state”. In his victory speech, Carney declared, “America is not Canada. And Canada will never, ever, be part of America in any way, shape, or form,” signaling a combative stance toward U.S. interference.

Slogan Controversy: Authenticity Under Fire

Amid the campaign’s patriotic fervor, controversy has erupted over the Liberal Party’s use of slogans and tactics perceived as “American-style.” The Liberals have accused Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre of importing U.S.-style populism, while simultaneously facing backlash for their own use of American political branding and negative campaigning. Recent reports revealed that Liberal staffers planted “Stop the Steal” buttons—a slogan synonymous with U.S. election denialism—at a Conservative conference in Ottawa, a move that drew criticism from both parties and raised questions about the Liberals’ commitment to “serious and positive discourse”.

Carney, who has previously criticized the adoption of American slogans and campaign tactics, now finds his party under scrutiny for the same. The episode has fueled debate about authenticity and strategy in Canadian politics, with analysts noting an unprecedented level of nationalism and U.S.-focused rhetoric in this election cycle.

The Bigger Picture: Canada at a Crossroads

The 2025 Canadian federal election has become a referendum on national identity, sovereignty, and the country’s relationship with the United States. Carney’s Liberals, buoyed by endorsements like Young’s and a surge of anti-Trump sentiment, are promising to defend Canadian values and economic interests. Meanwhile, the Conservatives accuse the Liberals of hypocrisy and underhanded tactics as both parties vie for an increasingly polarized electorate.

As the campaign intensifies, Neil Young’s intervention underscores the deep cultural and political ties—and tensions—between Canada and its southern neighbor, while highlighting the stakes for Canadian voters as they head to the polls.