Canada votes in a critical federal election amid rising U.S. trade tensions and political pressure, as Mark Carney seeks a full mandate against Conservative challenger Pierre Poilievre.
Canadians are casting their ballots in a pivotal federal election that could either cement Mark Carney’s leadership with a full four-year term or return the Conservative Party to power after nearly a decade of Liberal rule.
Voting began early Monday in Newfoundland and Labrador, as the country faces mounting external pressure — especially from its southern neighbor. U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating tariffs and provocative remarks about making Canada “the 51st state” have injected high drama into this year’s campaign, uniting Canadians across party lines in concern.
“I reject any attempt to break Canada’s spirit so America can claim us,” Carney said firmly in March. “We are masters in our own home.”
A High-Stakes Race Between Liberals and Conservatives
While several political parties are on the ballot, the race is primarily between Prime Minister Carney’s Liberals and the opposition Conservatives, led by veteran politician Pierre Poilievre.
Carney took over from Justin Trudeau in March after Trudeau resigned amid plummeting poll numbers. A newcomer to politics but a seasoned economic expert, Carney previously served as the governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. He stepped into the role just as Trump imposed a wave of tariffs, sparking a trade dispute.
Carney responded forcefully, continuing Trudeau’s retaliatory trade measures, which helped reinvigorate Liberal support. The party quickly gained ground, closing what had seemed like an insurmountable gap with the Conservatives.
Carney’s Vision: Economic Stability and Sovereignty
Throughout his campaign, Carney has positioned himself as a steady hand with real-world experience in global finance. “I know how markets and institutions work,” he said in an October interview. “I’m using that knowledge to benefit Canadians.”
He’s pledged to reduce Canada’s dependence on the U.S. by investing in domestic industries: housing, energy, and manufacturing. “We’ll build homes, factories, and clean energy systems,” he said. “We will stand up for Canadian workers, our values, and our sovereignty.”
Conservative Pushback and Populist Appeals
Poilievre, meanwhile, has framed the election as a fight between regular Canadians and the “Ottawa elites.” He argues that Carney is merely a continuation of Trudeau-era politics. “Same playbook, same insiders,” he warned.
His platform promises tax cuts, reduced government spending, and fewer environmental regulations, with a focus on maximizing natural resource exports through pipelines and energy infrastructure.
While often compared to Donald Trump in style, Poilievre has distanced himself from the former U.S. president. Just before election day, he even told Trump via social media to “stay out” of Canadian politics after Trump urged Canadians to vote for Poilievre directly.
A Surge in Early Voting
Interest in this election has been intense. Over 7.3 million Canadians voted early — a 25% increase over 2021 — leading to long lines at advance polling stations.
“I waited 45 minutes to vote,” said Kristina Ennis in St. John’s. “Others waited even longer.”
With economic uncertainty, U.S. friction, and major leadership shifts at home, Canadians are making their voices heard in one of the most consequential elections in recent memory.
