Canada Goes To Polls In April — Trump Effect And 5 Other Things To Know About The Election  

Canadian PM Mark Carney has called a snap election on April 28, driven by economic and diplomatic tensions with US. The election pits Carney's Liberal Party against Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a federal election on April 28.

Source : X/@MarkJCarney

Canada Election 2025: In a bold and widely expected political gamble, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a federal election on April 28, triggering a 36-day campaign that promises to reshape the country’s political future amid growing economic and diplomatic tensions with the United States. Announcing the vote on Sunday after a meeting with Governor-General Mary Simon, Carney framed the election as a mandate for stability, strength, and sovereignty in the face of what he called a historic crisis spurred by President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war and inflammatory rhetoric.

"President Trump claims that Canada isn’t a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us. We will not let that happen,” Carney declared, as reported by the media.

The election sets up a high-stakes showdown between Liberal Party's Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, in what many observers say will be a referendum on how Canada should respond to an unpredictable US administration and navigate its own national identity.

I have just asked the Governor General to dissolve Parliament and call a federal election on April 28.

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.

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 23, 2025

Here are 6 key things to know as Canadians prepare for the vote:

1. The Trump Effect: A Foreign President At The Centre Of A Canadian Election

Rarely has a Canadian election been so profoundly shaped by a foreign leader. Trump’s threats of “economic force”, his decision to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian exports, and his dismissal of the US-Canada border as “artificial” have triggered alarm across the country. He has even mused publicly about Canada becoming the “51st US state”.

This rhetoric has transformed the political terrain, boosting the Liberals in recent polls as Carney positions himself as the best candidate to stand up to Trump. “Our response must be to build a strong economy and a more secure Canada,” Carney said Sunday, as reported by CBC.

2. An Unplanned Election

This wasn’t the election Canadians were expecting — at least not so soon. The next federal vote was originally scheduled for October 2025. But after Trudeau stepped down in January and President Trump launched a trade war, pressure mounted on Carney to seek a fresh mandate.

On Sunday, Carney triggered the early election by advising the governor general to dissolve Parliament — a constitutional move that underscored the extraordinary moment.

With 343 parliamentary seats up for grabs and four major parties vying for influence, the results could reshape the balance of power in Ottawa. If no party wins a majority, a minority government is likely, potentially leading to further political instability.

3. Battle Of Contrasts: Banker Vs Veteran

The main contest pits Mark Carney, a former central banker and political newcomer, against Pierre Poilievre, a seasoned Conservative with two decades in Parliament.

Carney, 60, took office just weeks ago following Justin Trudeau’s resignation and is now seeking his first electoral mandate. His pitch? Economic expertise, global credibility, and a new vision to modernise and unify Canada's fractured internal market.

Poilievre, 45, counters with a populist edge, billing himself as the man to “stand up to Trump when necessary” while promoting a “Canada First” agenda. He calls Carney a Trudeau clone and insists the Liberals are out of touch with everyday Canadians.

Back in my beautiful riding of Carleton to kick off our campaign to put Canada First for a change.

Conservatives will cut taxes, defend our sovereignty, bring home 🇨🇦 production & powerful paycheques.

Let's bring it home: https://t.co/eIy7PDtCaB pic.twitter.com/xdwE5BB9m1

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) March 23, 2025

4. Cost Of Living Still Matters — But Through A New Lens

Inflation, housing shortages, and healthcare concerns remain top-of-mind for voters — but these are now seen through the prism of economic uncertainty brought on by the trade war.

Carney has promised a middle-class tax cut and investments in housing and infrastructure. Poilievre, meanwhile, has vowed to cut red tape and taxes, unleashing the private sector to drive growth. However, the impact of US tariffs — and a potentially worsening trade crisis — may overshadow domestic policy promises.

Voters, meanwhile, grapple with both the immediate concerns of affordability, housing, jobs, and long-term questions about Canada’s sovereignty and place in the world.

As Carney put it: “In a crisis, we have to focus on what we can control.”

On April 28, Canadians will decide just how — and by whom — that control should be exercised.

5. Sovereignty And National Security Take Centre Stage

In a shift not seen since the 1988 free trade election, questions about Canadian sovereignty, trade independence, and defence have eclipsed traditional campaign topics.

Both main parties have pledged to reduce reliance on the US, expand trade with other nations, and boost national defence. But while Carney seeks consensus and economic coordination across provinces, Poilievre has leaned into a message of self-sufficiency and fiscal restraint, including slashing foreign aid.

6. A Tight Race With Surging Stakes

Just months ago, Conservatives held a 20-point lead. But the Liberals made a comeback in the wake of Trudeau’s exit and Carney’s rise, aided by a wave of concern over Trump’s aggression.

Polls now suggest a toss-up, with momentum shifting daily. The New Democratic Party (NDP) and Bloc Québécois remain players, but have seen declining support. Jagmeet Singh (NDP) has warned that Carney will “protect billionaires”, while Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet has promised to fight for Quebec workers hurt by US tariffs.