Canada is gearing up for a pivotal federal election following a series of major political shifts. Mark Carney, the former central bank governor, became the country’s new prime minister in March after taking over leadership of the Liberal Party. His swift decision to call an early election came after the resignation of Justin Trudeau earlier this year and rising pressure sparked by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian goods.
Voters will head to the polls on Today, Monday, April 28. Although Canada’s elections are typically held every five years, this early vote was triggered when Carney requested the dissolution of Parliament, a move approved by the governor general. Over the past month, party leaders have been campaigning across the country in a condensed 36-day election period.
The main contenders for prime minister are Mark Carney of the Liberals, Pierre Poilievre of the Conservatives, and Jagmeet Singh of the New Democratic Party. Four major parties are fielding candidates nationwide: the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP, and Bloc Québécois, with smaller parties like the Greens also in the race. Heading into the election, the Liberals held 153 seats, Conservatives 120, Bloc Québécois 33, and NDP 24.
Polls have seen dramatic swings over the past year. During Trudeau’s final months, Conservatives maintained a strong lead. However, after Trudeau’s resignation and following Trump’s tariffs, the Liberal Party regained momentum. By election eve, the Liberals led national polls with 42.5% support compared to the Conservatives’ 38.9%, marking their first lead in nearly three years. Key election issues include the economic fallout from Trump’s trade actions, the rising cost of living, and the ongoing housing crisis.
Canada’s election follows a first-past-the-post system across 343 ridings, with each riding electing one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons. The party with the most MPs typically forms the government, while the runner-up becomes the official opposition. If no party secures a majority, Canada could see a minority government, where cooperation among parties becomes crucial for passing legislation.
All Canadian citizens aged 18 and over are eligible to vote, provided they can verify their identity and address. In addition to election day voting, a record 7.3 million Canadians took advantage of early voting over the Easter weekend, signaling strong voter engagement ahead of one of the most consequential elections in recent memory.
