Federal Election Campaign Kicks Off as Party Leaders Pitch to Canadians
Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap federal election, kicking off a five-week campaign set to culminate in a national vote on April 28—six months ahead of the scheduled election date.
Carney visited Governor General Mary Simon on Sunday to request the dissolution of Parliament, just 10 days after being sworn in as prime minister. Rather than returning to the House of Commons as planned on March 24, MPs will now hit the campaign trail, with 343 seats in play following recent electoral redistribution.
“We’ve done a lot in nine days,” Carney said outside Rideau Hall. “But what matters now is securing a strong mandate from Canadians—to build our economy, diversify trade, and stand up to President Trump’s aggressive tactics.”
The election will be fought under the minimum campaign period allowed by law. Advance polls are expected to fall over the Easter weekend.
Liberals Hope to Ride Carney’s Momentum
Carney, who officially became Liberal leader on March 9 following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, will contest his first seat in the House of Commons in the Ottawa-area riding of Nepean. In a statement, he described the election as “one of the most consequential in our lifetimes.”
Despite a long-standing Conservative lead in national polling, the Liberals have recently gained ground, closing the gap and, in some polls, pulling slightly ahead—something few predicted for a party nearly a decade into power.
Carney is campaigning on promises to scrap the consumer carbon tax, reverse a proposed capital gains tax hike, remove interprovincial trade barriers, and implement a middle-class tax cut. He’s also pledged to eliminate the GST for some first-time homebuyers—echoing a previous Conservative promise.
Poilievre Targets Liberal Record
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre launched his campaign Sunday in Manotick, Ontario, where he’s held his seat for over two decades. He blamed the Liberals for a “lost decade” of high living costs and economic stagnation.
“We don’t seek a fight, but we’re ready for one,” Poilievre said. “A new Conservative government will restore the promise of Canada: that hard work gets you a good life in a safe neighborhood under a proud flag.”
Poilievre’s platform includes eliminating the industrial carbon tax, removing sales taxes on some new homes, and unlocking land for development.
NDP, Bloc, Greens Hope to Expand Influence
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh launched his campaign in Ottawa, promoting achievements from the NDP-Liberal supply-and-confidence deal, including dental and pharmacare programs. Singh urged voters to reject both Carney and Poilievre, likening their leadership to a choice between “a house with a leaky roof or a cracked foundation.”
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet and Green Party co-leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault launched their campaigns from Montreal. Blanchet expressed skepticism about both main federal leaders, noting limited recognition for Carney in Quebec.
May emphasized the Green Party’s high candidate nomination rate and framed the Greens as a truth-telling alternative to mainstream parties. Pedneault said their goal is to represent Canadians disillusioned by “career politicians.”
Trade Crisis Looms Large
This election unfolds amid escalating trade tensions with the U.S., triggered by President Trump’s sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods and his threats of more to come. Carney and Poilievre both addressed the issue directly, warning of economic and sovereignty risks.
“Our response must be to build a stronger, more independent Canada,” Carney said, accusing Trump of trying to “break” the country.
Poilievre echoed the concern: “Canada will never become the 51st state.”
As the campaign begins, the battle lines are drawn—between competing visions for Canada’s economic future and its place on the world stage.
