Canadians are voting in a significant election that will determine the country's next leader, its economic direction, and its response to U.S. President Trump's trade policies. Pre-election polls showed the Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, with a slight edge over the Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre.
The election features three additional parties: the New Democratic Party, the Greens, and the Bloc Quebecois, which advocates for Quebec sovereignty. Just three months prior, the Conservatives were leading by a considerable margin, but recent developments, including Trudeau's resignation and Trump's tariff threats, have shifted the political landscape.
Mark Carney, who succeeded Trudeau as Prime Minister a month ago, has positioned himself as a centrist capable of managing relations with Trump, while Poilievre promotes deregulation and a smaller government. Polls indicate that most Canadians are concerned about economic issues and U.S.-Canada relations as they head to the polls.
Voting procedures vary across Canada's six time zones, with most polls closing at 9:30 p.m. Eastern time. Results, which are counted manually, are expected late Monday night.
In addition to the election, the impact of social media and misinformation has been noted, with right-wing pages gaining traction amid a news ban imposed by Meta. This absence of traditional news sources has left voters more susceptible to partisan content.
Trump's trade war has played a significant role in the campaign, with tariffs affecting key Canadian sectors. Both Carney and Poilievre have adopted strong stances against Trump, emphasizing the need for a robust response to his policies.
As the election approaches, polls show a tightening race, with Carney's Liberal Party currently leading slightly over Poilievre's Conservatives. The outcome will hinge on the distribution of votes across Canada, particularly in populous regions like Ontario and Quebec.
The election marks a critical juncture for Canada, with voters faced with stark choices between two distinct leadership styles and visions for the country's future amid economic challenges and international pressures.