Canadians prepare to vote in federal elections
Canada will hold its 45th federal election on April 28, with results expected the same day.
The race pits Mark Carney’s Liberal Party against Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party, with both contending for majority control in Parliament. This year’s election carries greater weight than previous cycles, as it unfolds amid an escalating trade conflict with the United States under President Trump and a domestic landscape marked by economic stagnation, political disillusionment, and social fatigue.
Following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation, Carney’s entry has helped the Liberals regain momentum in national polls. However, after nearly a decade of Liberal governance, many Canadians are calling for change, making the outcome uncertain. Even if Carney secures a victory, his ability to deliver meaningful reform may be constrained, as he would be relying on the same leadership group.
In the short term, expect either the Liberals or Conservatives to secure a narrow majority. In the medium- to long-term, the winning party will face significant domestic and geopolitical challenges, including a deteriorating economy, heightened tensions with the US, and Canada’s declining international relevance. Regardless of the outcome, the election may mark a turning point in Canada’s national trajectory. A deep, nationwide recession appears increasingly inevitable—the key difference between the two parties may be how long it takes for Canada to recover and emerge from this economic cycle.
