Unless you’re one of the 7.3 million Canadians who have already voted, it’s time to lace up your sneakers and head to the polls to elect the next federal government.
Why it matters: The government Canadians choose today will face historic challenges that demand immediate action, including a looming recession and a trade war with our newly belligerent southern neighbour.
- That’s not to mention core issues like the cost of living and housing affordability that have festered for years.
Catch up: The campaign many expected — a slam-dunk victory for the Conservatives after 10 years of Liberal rule — was upended by Justin Trudeau’s resignation and Donald Trump’s threats to use “economic force” to make Canada the 51st state amid a trade fight.
- The Conservatives saw what was once a 25-point advantage in the polls evaporate with the Liberals, buoyed by NDP, Green, and Bloc voters flocking to Carney, taking a sizeable lead by mid-campaign.
Yes, but: The gap between the Liberals and Conservatives has narrowed down the final stretch, and is now within the margin of error in some surveys, making the election’s outcome far from a foregone conclusion.
- Surveys show the political environment is still unfavourable for incumbents, with 51% of Canadians saying the country is on the wrong track, and a plurality of voters say cost of living, not tariffs, is the most important issue — that gives the Conservative campaign hope it can pull off a win tonight.
What’s next: Results will begin trickling in shortly after the first polls close in Newfoundland and Labrador at 8:30 p.m. NT (7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT).—TS