When Is Canada Election? Date, Candidates, And Why The Polls Have Been Called Early
Canada's snap election will be held next month, six months ahead of schedule, amid tensions with the US over trade and sovereignty.
Canada Election 2025 Q&A: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap federal election, sending Canadians to the polls six months before the due date. The decision comes amid escalating tensions with the United States, as President Donald Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs on Canadian goods has sparked a trade war, and him calling the country the "51st US state" has raised questions about its sovereignty.
Here’s what you need to know about this pivotal election:
When Is The Canada Election?
Canada’s federal election will be held on Monday, April 28, 2025, following a snap election call by PM Mark Carney on March 23. Though the next election was originally scheduled for October 20, 2025, Carney requested the dissolution of Parliament after taking office earlier this month. The election kicks off a 36-day campaign period, giving voters just over five weeks to decide which party — and leader — is best positioned to navigate the country through a turbulent geopolitical and economic moment.
Why Was The Canada Election Called Early?
Mark Carney, who became prime minister earlier this month after succeeding Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party, requested the dissolution of Parliament during a meeting with Governor-General Mary Simon on Sunday, citing the urgent need for a fresh mandate amid rising tensions with the US. Carney emphasised the need for a strong mandate to address Trump’s aggressive trade policies and rebuild Canada’s economy.
“We need to build the strongest economy in the G7. We need to deal with President Trump’s tariffs. Canadians deserve a choice about who should lead that effort for our country,” Carney posted on X.
I have just asked the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call a federal election on April 28.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 23, 2025
We need to build the strongest economy in the G7. We need to deal with President Trump’s tariffs. Canadians deserve a choice about who should lead that effort for our country.
Who Are The Main Contenders?
The election pits Carney against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who launched his campaign under a “Canada First” banner. Poilievre has criticised Carney as inexperienced in politics, labelling him Trudeau’s “handpicked successor”. While Carney is a seasoned economist and former governor of both the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, this election marks his first foray into political campaigning.
Poilievre, a veteran politician with two decades of experience in federal politics, has promised to strengthen Canada’s independence and stand up to Trump’s administration. He has also focused on domestic issues like affordability and crime, framing himself as a leader who can restore Canada’s strength.
Other parties contesting seats include the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh; the Bloc Québécois, led by Yves-François Blanchet; and the Green Party.
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What Are The Key Election Issues?
Trump’s actions have profoundly reshaped Canadian politics. His tariffs have disrupted trade between the two countries and fuelled nationalist rhetoric on both sides of the border. Trump’s comments about Canada being an “artificially drawn line” have further inflamed tensions.
Hence, while domestic concerns like housing affordability, healthcare, and immigration remain important, this election is dominated by existential questions about Canada’s future amid its strained relationship with its largest trading partner, the US. Both major parties are advocating for economic growth and independence through measures like retaliatory tariffs, housing initiatives, energy projects, and defence investments.
Carney has promised middle-class tax cuts and efforts to diversify trade partnerships beyond the US, while Poilievre has emphasised cutting red tape and taxes to spur infrastructure development.
Political analysts note that Trump’s interventions have transformed what seemed like a certain Conservative victory into a close race with the Liberals. Both Carney and Poilievre have tailored their campaigns to address Trump’s influence, with Carney accusing Poilievre of mirroring Trump’s policies and Poilievre portraying himself as a defender of Canadian sovereignty.
Who Can Vote, And How Does Canada Elect Its PM?
In Canada’s federal election — much like in the UK — voters don’t vote directly for a prime minister. Instead, they elect a local member of Parliament (MP) in one of 343 seats across the country. The leader of the party with most seats in the House of Commons typically becomes the PM. To cast a ballot, voters must be Canadian citizens, at least 18 years old, and must present valid proof of identity and address.
What Do Opinion Polls Say?
The race is neck-and-neck at the moment. After trailing behind the Conservatives in national polls for a long time, the Liberals have seen a resurgence since Trudeau stepped down in January. A recent survey conducted between March 17 and 20 among 1,500 eligible voters points to a closely contested and rapidly shifting race, marked by the reconfiguration of traditional voting blocs, the weakening of others, and a surge in public engagement surpassing levels seen at this stage in the 2021 campaign.
Nationally, the Conservatives currently edge out the Liberals with 39% support, while the Liberals sit just behind at 36%. The NDP trails further back at 12%. Yet, beneath these headline figures lies considerable movement, suggesting deeper shifts in voter sentiment that could reshape the race in the coming weeks. The outcome remains uncertain as Canadians grapple with questions about leadership in an era marked by economic instability and geopolitical challenges.
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