Canada’s 45th General Election: What You Need to Know

Canada’s 45th general election is officially underway, with voters set to head to the polls on **April 28, 2025**. This election comes at a critical juncture as the country faces **economic uncertainty, trade tensions with the U.S., and shifting political dynamics**. With just **36 days of campaigning**, major parties are battling for voter support in what is expected to be one of the most contentious elections in recent history.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney’s Vision for Canada

After **Justin Trudeau’s resignation**, **Mark Carney** has stepped into the leadership of the Liberal Party and is running for Parliament in Nepean, Ottawa. His campaign is centered on:

• **Defending Canada’s economy against U.S. trade policies** under Donald Trump.
• **Strengthening national unity** through investment and economic growth.
• **Positioning himself as the best negotiator** to secure Canada’s interests.

Carney is banking on polling data that suggests **he is the most trusted leader** when it comes to dealing with Trump and steering Canada’s economy toward stability.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s Economic Plan

**Pierre Poilievre**, leader of the Conservative Party, kicked off his campaign in Gatineau, Quebec, with a promise of a **firm but respectful** approach toward the U.S. Poilievre aims to:

• **Bolster Canada’s economic productivity**, particularly in Southern Ontario.
• **Strengthen trade and business policies** that will reduce dependence on the U.S.
• **Revitalize the job market** while addressing inflation concerns.

For the Conservatives to form a government, they must gain ground in **key battlegrounds like Ontario**, making economic recovery a cornerstone of their campaign.

NDP and Bloc Quebecois: Facing Political Challenges

The **New Democratic Party (NDP)**, led by **Jagmeet Singh**, is seeing its **support decline significantly**, putting its official party status at risk. Singh has appealed to voters to **reject fear-based voting**, encouraging them to focus on policies that benefit all Canadians.

Meanwhile, the **Bloc Quebecois**, under the leadership of **Eve France Blanchet**, launched its campaign in Montreal. However, Trump’s **threats to Canadian sovereignty** have complicated the Bloc’s usual **Quebec-focused agenda**, forcing them to reconsider their messaging.

Canada’s Economic and Geopolitical Challenges

The 2025 election takes place amid significant global and domestic pressures:

• **U.S. Trade Tensions:** Trump’s trade policies and stance on Canadian sovereignty have put new pressure on Canadian leadership.
• **Liberal Economic Shift:** Carney’s decision to repeal the **consumer carbon tax** is seen as an attempt to **blunt Conservative attacks** and appeal to centrist voters.
• **Market Uncertainty:** Investors and financial analysts are closely watching the election, as its outcome could **shift economic policy and affect stock markets** in Canada.

With mounting pressure to stabilize Canada’s economy, both Carney and Poilievre are presenting **competing economic visions** for the country’s future.

Key Election Dates and Voting Information

For Canadians planning to vote, here are important deadlines to keep in mind:

• **April 7** – Candidate nominations close.
• **April 14-19** – Voting period for Canadian Armed Forces members.
• **April 13-16** – Special **Vote on Campus** initiative at participating universities and colleges.
• **April 16** – Incarcerated individuals allowed to vote.
• **April 18-21** – Advance polling dates.
• **April 20-22** – Special ballot voting in acute-care hospitals.
• **April 22 (6:00 p.m.)** – Deadline to request mail-in and special ballots.
• **April 28** – **Election Day** – Canadians head to the polls.

To vote, citizens must be: