Saturday, March 29, 2025
Canadians are heading to the polls today in a high-stakes election fueled by Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about Canadian sovereignty and escalating trade tensions.
This year’s federal election has been overshadowed by anger at former US President Donald Trump’s inflammatory comments and fears of a worsening trade war. In the final days of the month-long campaign—described by party leaders as the most crucial election in decades—Trump reignited controversy, suggesting Canada should be annexed by the United States during an interview published Friday.
Adding to the turbulence was a tragic incident at Vancouver’s lively Lapu Lapu Festival, where a driver’s attack killed 11 people and left many injured, forcing Liberal leader Mark Carney to briefly suspend his campaign for a national address. Carney, visibly moved, spoke of resilience and unity, invoking the Filipino value of “Bayanihan” to rally the nation.
At the beginning of the year, the Liberals appeared headed for a historic defeat, trailing the Conservatives by as much as 27 points under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was widely expected to achieve a landslide victory after years of campaigning on economic issues.
However, Trump’s aggressive stance toward Canada dramatically shifted the political landscape, reviving support for the Liberals. Mark Carney, a newcomer to electoral politics but a seasoned central banker, has energized his party and reversed its fortunes, narrowing the gap and putting a fourth Liberal term within reach.
Political strategist Scott Reid called the turnaround “jaw-dropping,” highlighting how an unprecedented threat to Canada’s sovereignty has upended traditional voter priorities.
Despite strong rallies and a surge of young voter support, Poilievre faces an uphill battle. His campaign centered on tackling the cost of living crisis and challenging what he calls the “fourth term of Justin Trudeau,” criticizing Carney for planning to maintain the same policies.
“The real question Canadians are asking is: can we afford another Liberal government?” Poilievre told supporters in Saskatoon.
Observers note a generational divide: older Canadians are concerned with defending national sovereignty, while younger voters are anxious about economic issues like home ownership and affordability.
The dramatic polarization between Liberals and Conservatives has pushed smaller parties to the margins. The New Democratic Party (NDP) faces significant losses, and leader Jagmeet Singh risks losing his seat. Meanwhile, Green Party leader Elizabeth May and the Bloc Québécois also find their support eroding under a surge of patriotic sentiment favoring the Liberals.
More than 7 million Canadians voted early—a 25% increase over previous records—boosted by the Easter long weekend. As polls close tonight, the nation awaits results that could reshape Canada’s political future in the face of unprecedented external pressures.
