Canadians are voting in parliamentary elections today to choose who will serve as the nation’s Prime Minister.
The Details: The main candidates are Liberal Leader Mark Carney, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, and New Democratic (NDP) Leader Jagmeet Singh. The election was called as a snap late last month by Prime Minister Carney, days after he assumed office. Meanwhile, the leader of Bloc Québécois, the party that rules the French-speaking province Québec, described Canada as “an artificial country with very little meaning.” All poles will be closed by 10 p.m. EST.
For Context: Carney took over as prime minister after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned, and the Liberal Party chose him as the replacement. The Liberals have been far behind the Conservatives in opinion polling since Summer 2023, trailing by as much as 24 points in January 2025, but have since closed the gap and now hold a three-point lead, according to CBC (Lean Left bias). President Donald Trump’s hawkish rhetoric on Canada, combined with Trudeau’s resignation, has ostensibly reinvigorated the Liberals’ chances.
How the Media Covered It: Many outlets, both American and international, highlighted President Trump’s impact on the race. An opinion published by National Review (Right) described China as the “hidden issue.” Some outlets highlighted the mass killing in Vancouver this Saturday as a somber backdrop for the vote.
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Canadians vote today after fierce campaign shaped by Trump
Millions of Canadians are expected to cast their ballots today in a pivotal election that will decide who will lead the country through a trade battle with the United States.
The 36-day campaign has been nothing short of remarkable for the leading contenders: Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Just a few months ago, polls suggested Poilievre was all but guaranteed to snap up the majority government he'd long been waiting for, after Canadians soured on former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
A stunning reversal of fortunes in Canada's historic election
At a rally in London, Ontario, on Friday, the crowd booed as Mark Carney delivered his core campaign line about the existential threat Canada faces from its neighbour.
"President Trump is trying to break us so that America could own us," the Liberal leader warned.
"Never," supporters shouted back. Many waved Canadian flags taped to ice hockey sticks.
Similar levels of passion were also on display at the union hall where Pierre Poilievre greeted enthusiastic supporters in the Toronto area earlier in the week.
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