“It’s not a glitch in the system—it’s a message. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is set to share his ballot with nearly 80 rivals in an organized ballot protest in Poilievre’s riding. This protest, more about reform than results, highlights growing dissatisfaction with the current political landscape and aims to send a strong message for change.”

Longest Ballot in Canada? It Could Happen in Carleton.

In a dramatic turn for Canada’s 2025 federal election, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is facing an unprecedented wave of competition in his own riding of Carleton—nearly 80 names will appear alongside his on the ballot.

This isn’t a surge in last-minute political ambition. It’s a calculated protest by a group called the Longest Ballot Committee, aiming to spotlight what they call a democratic dysfunction in Canada’s electoral system.

Not About Winning—About Reforming the Rules

At the heart of the movement is a call for systemic change. The group wants a non-partisan citizens’ assembly to take control of electoral reform, arguing that politicians shouldn’t be the ones writing the rules for their own elections.

“Politicians managing election laws is a clear conflict of interest,”
said organizer Tomas Szuchewycz, who is also acting as the official agent for the protest candidates.

Their hope? That by cluttering the ballot, they’ll make the issue impossible to ignore.

Why Poilievre in the Ballot Protest—and Not Carney?

Interestingly, the group had planned to target both Poilievre’s and Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s ridings. But time ran out before they could organize in Carney’s newly declared seat of Nepean.

“We really wanted to do both leaders,” said Szuchewycz. “But things didn’t align fast enough.”

Despite this, their mission remains clear: challenge the status quo and force a national conversation on democratic representation.

Ballots Nearly a Metre Long—and Counting

This isn’t the first time the Longest Ballot Committee has overloaded a federal ballot. In 2024, a Montreal byelection made history with 91 candidates, breaking a previous record of 84. If Carleton’s ballot reaches 93 candidates, it will set yet another national record.

The consequence? Slower vote counts, longer ballots, and a logistical headache for Elections Canada.

Elections Canada Voices Concern

Chief Electoral Officer Stéphane Perrault has publicly criticized the tactic, noting the accessibility challenges it poses, particularly for voters with disabilities.

Still, the group remains unfazed.

“The system already confuses voters,”
Szuchewycz counters.
“We’re not adding much more confusion—just exposing the flaws.”

Elections Canada is preparing by exploring options like early advance ballot counting and extra staffing, but admits election night in Carleton could be a long one.

A Ballot Protest That’s Making Headlines—But Will It Make Change?

The group is clear: they’re not trying to win votes—they’re trying to win attention. As Canada edges closer to election day, the growing list of candidates in Carleton is turning into a symbolic standoff over electoral accountability.

Whether it triggers reform or simply clogs the process, one thing is certain: this is no ordinary ballot.

Stay with Maple News Wire for continued coverage on Election 2025—from record-breaking ballots to rising political tensions.

Carney jabs Smith in B.C. as the campaign heats up in the West. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith responds fiercely at his first stop.

Western Campaign Trail Ignites with Political Crossfire: Carney Jabs Smith

At a packed community event in Victoria, Liberal Leader Mark Carney kicked off his Western Canada campaign tour not just with policy promises—but with a pointed joke that has rippled through Alberta’s political circles.

Referencing recent U.S. tariff tensions and Canada’s response, Carney quipped:
“We’re sending Doug Ford to Fox News to show them we’re not messing around… and maybe we’ll send Danielle next — well, maybe we won’t.”
Cue nervous laughter, a grimace, and immediate headlines.

The comment, delivered with humor, landed hard—and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith wasted no time in returning fire.

“I Don’t Shut Up”: Smith Strikes Back at Carney Jabs

Responding from Edmonton, Smith dismissed the jab and doubled down on her role in international advocacy.

“Telling me to ‘sit down and shut up’ isn’t going to work. I don’t shut up.”
Smith affirmed she would continue representing Alberta’s interests loudly and publicly—“whether he likes it or not.”

Her remarks follow a month of high-profile media appearances in the U.S., including a sit-down with Breitbart where she urged Washington to delay tariffs and praised Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s alignment with emerging American policies.

From Trade Tensions to Climate Contrasts: Carney Jabs Smith on Key Issues

Carney’s appearance in Victoria marked a pivotal shift in his campaign geography. After two weeks mostly rooted in Eastern Canada, his tour now focuses on B.C., where border concerns, Trump-era policies, and environmental policies are shaping the regional narrative.

The Liberal leader touched on the need for a stronger green energy transition and defended Canada’s sovereignty in the face of Trump’s economic threats, which have surged to the top of voter concerns in recent polls.

Supporters in Victoria echoed these sentiments:

“We need someone experienced, someone who won’t buckle under Trump’s pressure,” said Sylvia Samborski.
Others voiced frustration at being politically overlooked: “It’s time Vancouver Island had someone in Ottawa who actually speaks for us,” said John Ellis.

McKenna Makes a Cameo — With a Message for Alberta Premier Smith

Joining Carney at the rally was former environment minister Catherine McKenna, whose presence reinforced the Liberals’ environmental stance. Wearing a shirt that read “Women change politics,” she emphasized the need to combat climate change and misinformation.

Despite past divisions over the carbon levy, McKenna expressed support for Carney’s strategy, while urging better communication on climate policy in the face of “disinformation” campaigns.

What’s Next for Carney’s Western Push: Poilievre vs Carney Out West

Following Victoria, Carney is scheduled to:

• Hold press briefings throughout B.C.
• Meet with Premier David Eby
• Host a major evening rally in Richmond

This Western leg of the campaign could be crucial. Not only are Liberals leading in national polls, but Carney is also outpacing Poilievre in favourability, with growing traction in urban and border communities.

Final Word: From Humor to Headlines — Carney Jabs Smith Amplifies Political Theatre

While Carney may have meant his comments in jest, they’ve underscored the deep political divide—and the sharp edge this campaign now carries. With Smith unshaken and Carney unapologetic, the race out West promises more than just policy talk—it promises political theatre.

Stay with Maple News Wire for on-the-ground updates and sharp insights as the election battle unfolds coast to coast.

Poilievre vs Carney heats up as Canada’s election campaign hits Day 17, with personal attacks replacing policy debates between the two candidates.

From Tax Plans to Haircuts: Poilievre vs Carney Turns Up the Heat

In a fiery twist to the federal election campaign, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took direct aim at his Liberal rival Mark Carney, not just on policy—but on persona.

At a recent press conference, Poilievre doubled down on accusations that Carney is no different from Justin Trudeau, quipping that Canadians shouldn’t be fooled by a “banker’s haircut and a pair of blue socks.” The jab was more than cosmetic—it was a signal that personal branding is becoming just as central to the race as platform promises.

Poilievre went so far as to label Carney a “political grifter”, casting doubt on the Liberal leader’s record in business and government. He resurrected old critiques of Carney’s time at Brookfield Asset Management and his involvement with offshore-registered investment funds.

Carney Fires Back: “Where Was Poilievre vs Carney During the Crisis?

Not one to stay silent, Carney swiftly returned fire later in the day. Speaking to reporters, he leaned on his economic credentials, highlighting his leadership during the 2008 financial crisis when he served as Governor of the Bank of Canada.

“Pierre Poilievre wasn’t at any of those tables,” Carney said. “He wasn’t given any of that responsibility—and he still hasn’t been.”

The contrast was clear: Carney positioned himself as a crisis-tested economist; Poilievre, he implied, was a career politician lacking hands-on leadership.

Stephen Harper Enters the Arena

Adding a dramatic twist, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper entered the spotlight this week with a public endorsement of Poilievre. Harper praised Poilievre’s two decades of political experience and argued that real leadership requires more than just technical know-how—it requires “elected, accountable political experience.”

Harper’s presence at a rally in Alberta underscored the Conservative Party’s strategy to unify its base behind a familiar, battle-tested figure.

Polling Snapshot: A Tight Race, With Carney Gaining Favor

While Carney and Poilievre dominate the headlines, recent polling suggests the Liberals currently lead the Conservatives, with Carney pulling ahead in terms of personal favourability.

An Angus Reid survey shows:

• 55% of Canadians view Carney favourably
• Just 36% hold a positive opinion of Poilievre
• Carney is the preferred PM for 50% of respondents
• Poilievre trails at 28%

As the campaign rolls on, likeability might prove just as powerful as leadership.

Western Wounds: Carney’s Comments Stir the Pot

Not all of Carney’s remarks have landed smoothly. While speaking in Victoria, he made a jest about Alberta Premier Danielle Smith that was criticized as fueling Western alienation. Though he later described it as a “lighthearted” comment, the moment highlighted how sensitive the regional divide remains during this election.

Other Parties Join the Chorus

The rhetoric isn’t isolated to just the big two.

• Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet claimed Carney showed little care for Quebec’s culture and interests. 
• NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh critiqued both front-runners, warning voters not to trust Carney due to his past with “tax-avoiding corporations,” while also calling Poilievre a cause for concern. 

Final Stretch: Voters Watching, Leaders Sparring

With the campaign now past its halfway point, Canadians are seeing more than just promises—they’re watching personality clashes, ideological duels, and the rising tension of an election that could redefine the country’s future.

Stay with Maple News Wire for more unfiltered, in-depth election coverage as the race intensifies—and the rhetoric sharpens.