Canadians are voting in a pivotal election that will determine the country's next leader and its approach to President Trump’s trade threats amid global economic instability.
Pre-election polls indicated a slight lead for the Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, over the Conservative Party headed by Pierre Poilievre. The party that secures the most seats in the House of Commons will form the government.
In addition to the two major parties, three smaller parties are also contesting the election: the New Democratic Party, the Greens, and the Bloc Quebecois, which focuses on Quebec sovereignty.
Just three months ago, the Conservatives were leading by over 25 percentage points, with Poilievre seen as the likely next prime minister. However, the resignation of Justin Trudeau and the impact of Trump’s tariffs shifted voter sentiment, benefiting Carney and the Liberals.
In Canada’s parliamentary system, voters select representatives for their local electoral districts, or ridings. The party with the most seats, even without a majority, governs. There are 343 seats in total.
Carney, 60, previously served as a central banker and is perceived as a centrist. He positions himself as a strong opponent to Trump, promising to leverage his financial expertise to safeguard Canada’s economy from U.S. tariffs.
Poilievre, 45, is a seasoned politician advocating for deregulation and reduced federal government size. His alignment with Trump’s rhetoric has caused concern among voters who view him as too similar to the U.S. president.
Polls are staggered across Canada’s six time zones, with most closing at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Results will be manually counted, with the first results expected late Monday night.
In addition to the election, a significant news ban by Meta has left Canadians with limited access to traditional news sources, leading to increased reliance on partisan social media pages for information.
Trump’s trade policies have been a central issue in the campaign. His tariffs on Canadian exports have particularly affected the auto industry, prompting retaliatory measures from Canada and changing public sentiment toward the Liberal Party.
Both Carney and Poilievre have adopted tough stances against Trump, with Carney emphasizing his experience in financial management as a key asset in negotiations with the U.S.
As the election approaches, polling indicates that support for the Liberal Party has gained traction, particularly in urban centers like Toronto, where the Conservatives had previously made inroads.
The election is perceived as a referendum on the candidates' abilities to manage relations with the United States and address pressing economic issues, including inflation and housing costs, which have become critical concerns for voters.
As Canadians head to the polls, the outcome remains uncertain, with both parties presenting distinct visions for the future of the country amid ongoing challenges from the U.S. administration.