As Canadians prepare to cast their ballots on Monday, April 28, many voters are making final decisions in one of the country’s most consequential elections in recent history. With the campaign coming to a close, here’s a clear breakdown of everything you need to know before heading to the polls.
Who’s Running for Prime Minister?
Mark Carney, newly elected Liberal leader and current prime minister, is seeking to secure a fourth consecutive term for the Liberals. His primary challengers are Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, and Green Party co-leaders Jonathan Pedneault and Elizabeth May. Maxime Bernier of the People’s Party of Canada is also in the race. This election marks the first campaign as leader for Carney, Poilievre, and Pedneault, with Carney and Pedneault seeking their first-ever seats in Parliament.
Why Was This Election Called Early?
While a federal election was required by law by October 2025, political pressure accelerated the timeline. Internal tensions within the Liberal Party, culminating in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement in January, set the stage. After winning the Liberal leadership on March 9, Carney requested Parliament’s dissolution on March 23, citing urgent challenges stemming from escalating trade tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump. Parliament has not sat since December 2024, making this a campaign against a backdrop of suspended legislative activity.
Where the Parties Stand on Key Issues
- U.S. Relations and Tariffs:
The Liberals propose a $2 billion fund for industries affected by U.S. tariffs and a $5 billion fund to diversify trade. Conservatives plan to expedite natural resource projects and renegotiate the USMCA trade deal. The NDP and Greens support boosting domestic procurement, while the Bloc Quebecois calls for targeted relief programs for Quebec industries. - Affordability and Cost of Living:
Conservatives promise broad income tax cuts, while Liberals propose a middle-class tax reduction. The NDP suggests cutting GST on essentials. Greens propose eliminating income tax on earnings below $40,000, while the Bloc focuses on tax breaks for seniors and expanded GST credits. - Housing:
Liberals aim to build nearly 500,000 homes annually. Conservatives propose 2.3 million homes over five years by unlocking federal lands. The NDP targets 3 million homes by 2030 and national rent control. Greens prioritize 1.2 million affordable, non-market homes, while the Bloc supports low-cost transfers of federal land. - Defence Spending:
Liberals, Conservatives, and Bloc all commit to reaching NATO’s 2% GDP spending target by 2030. The NDP proposes a 2032 target. All parties plan increased investments in Arctic security and military recruitment, although the NDP and Greens would cancel Canada’s F-35 fighter jet procurement.
What Are the Polls Saying?
The resignation of Trudeau and Carney’s rise reversed the Liberals’ declining support. Early campaign polling showed a double-digit Liberal lead, but the gap has narrowed in the final days. Latest surveys show the Liberals holding a slim three-point lead over the Conservatives. The NDP, Bloc, and Greens have maintained steady but smaller shares of the vote.
How to Vote on Election Day
If voting in person, Canadians must bring either:
- A government-issued ID with photo, name, and address (like a driver’s license),
- Two pieces of accepted ID with name and address,
- Or declare their identity with a registered voter vouching for them.
Advance voting saw a record 7.3 million Canadians cast ballots early. Special ballot voters must return their kits by Monday. If not yet registered, eligible voters can register at polling stations when they arrive.
When Will Results Be Known?
Preliminary results will begin rolling in once polls close. Full certification by Elections Canada will take several days, but major media outlets will project outcomes based on early returns. Voting times vary across time zones, with polls closing between 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. local time depending on the region.
As Canada faces critical choices on leadership, trade, housing, and national security, voter turnout is expected to be high, driven by both domestic concerns and international pressures.
Originally published on Weekly Voice