Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially triggered a snap federal election, calling Canadians to the polls on April 28, 2025, just weeks after being sworn in as the new Liberal leader. The move comes six months ahead of the scheduled vote, amid intensifying trade tensions with the United States, internal political shifts, and a rapidly evolving public opinion landscape.
Key Highlights:
Carney visited Governor General Mary Simon on Sunday to request the issuance of writs of election, launching a 37-day campaign that is poised to be one of the most consequential in Canada’s modern history.
Carney’s First Campaign, Aiming for Mandate
Speaking from outside Rideau Hall, Carney emphasized the need for a clear public mandate.
“We’ve done a lot in the nine days to put in place many of the foundations,” he said. “But what’s important is that the government has a mandate from the Canadian people to finish the job… and to stand up to (U.S. President) Donald Trump.”
Carney, a former central banker and political newcomer, is running in the Nepean riding, marking his first attempt at entering the House of Commons. The Liberals chose Carney as their leader on March 9, following Justin Trudeau’s resignation in January after nearly a decade in power.
Polling Shift Gives Liberals a Boost
Despite the Conservatives’ double-digit lead in polls under Pierre Poilievre for the past two years, the Liberals have seen a late surge, narrowing the gap significantly. Some polls now even place the Liberals slightly ahead, an unexpected twist just weeks after Trudeau’s departure.
Carney has already acted on key campaign promises:
- Scrapping the consumer carbon tax
- Cancelling the capital gains inclusion rate hike
- Working to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers
He has also pledged:
- A middle-class tax cut worth up to $825 for dual-income families
- GST relief for first-time homebuyers
Poilievre Promises Change and Takes Aim at ‘Lost Liberal Decade’
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre launched his campaign in Manotick, Ontario, pitching his leadership as a return to Canadian promise.
“Change and hope are on the way,” Poilievre said. “We will restore the promise that hard work gets you a great life in a beautiful home on a safe street under a proud flag.”
He blamed the Liberals for Canada’s cost-of-living crisis, accusing Trudeau and Carney of delivering a “lost Liberal decade.”
Poilievre’s platform includes:
- Scrapping the industrial carbon tax
- Eliminating sales tax on new homes
- Freeing up land and cutting development charges
NDP, Greens, and Bloc Launch Their Campaigns
Jagmeet Singh, Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault (Greens), and Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois) also kicked off their campaigns.
Singh is focusing on achievements from the Liberal-NDP supply-and-confidence agreement, such as pharmacare and dental care, while criticizing Carney and Poilievre for catering to elites.
“You deserve a prime minister who works for you, not for the wealthy,” Singh said.
The NDP claims it is better funded and more prepared than in any election over the last decade, planning to spend the maximum allowed by Elections Canada.
Blanchet said Quebecers don’t yet trust Poilievre or know Carney, but promised to champion Quebec’s interests in Ottawa. The Bloc’s campaign was launched from Montreal, as was the Greens’.
Trade War Looms Over Campaign
This election takes place amid a deteriorating trade relationship with the U.S., with President Donald Trump enacting 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, including steel and aluminum. Canada has retaliated with $60 billion in countermeasures. Trump has also warned of “the big one”—more sweeping tariffs—expected April 2.
Carney and Poilievre both framed Trump as a direct threat.
“President Trump claims Canada isn’t a real country. He wants to break us so America can own us,” said Carney.
Poilievre countered, “Canada will never become the 51st state.”
With the campaign now underway, Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre, and other leaders face five weeks to convince Canadians who is best equipped to navigate trade tensions, economic uncertainty, and leadership change. The April 28 vote will mark a historic moment for a country at a critical crossroads.
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