Canada Elections 2025 Explained: Frontrunners, Key Issues And Trump Effect — All About The April 28 Polls
One of the biggest factors influencing this election is the deteriorating relationship between Canada and the United States.
The federal elections in Canada, which can reshape the country's political landscape, will be held on April 28. Originally due in October, the election was preponed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, citing mounting external pressure from the United States and the fragility of his coalition government.
This election will be Carney’s first major political test since taking over from Justin Trudeau, and he faces a formidable opponent in Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
Why Is Canada Voting Early?
Prime Minister Carney’s decision to call early elections comes at a time of rising diplomatic friction with the US under President Donald Trump, whose policies have caused tension. Carney, a former central banker, sought an immediate mandate to deal with these pressures.
How Are Prime Ministers Elected In Canada?
Unlike some countries where voters directly choose their prime minister, Canadians cast their vote for local representatives, or Members of Parliament, from different political parties. The party that wins the most seats usually forms the government. Its leader becomes the prime minister.
Who Are The Major Contenders This Time?
The two front-runners in this election are:
Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal Party, a political newcomer with a seasoned background in finance.
Pierre Poilievre, heading the Conservative Party, who has positioned himself as a populist alternative focused on reducing taxes and government red tape.
Other prominent candidates include:
Yves-Francois Blanchet of the Bloc Quebecois, a party that advocates for Quebec’s self-governance or independence.
Jagmeet Singh from the New Democratic Party (NDP), who has drawn attention for his pro-Khalistan views — a stance that has historically strained ties with India.
What Issues Are Dominating The Campaign?
One of the biggest factors influencing this election is the deteriorating relationship between Canada and the United States. After Trump’s imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, automobiles and pharmaceuticals, concerns have grown over economic stability.
Carney has acknowledged the scale of the challenge, warning of tough days ahead and job losses due to the trade fallout.
At the same time, the cost of living remains a major issue. With Canada already facing a housing affordability crisis, CNN quoted the Ontario Home Builders’ Association as saying that tariffs could significantly increase the price of construction materials.
How Have The Candidates Responded?
Carney, despite being new to politics, is not new to crisis management. During his time as Governor of the Bank of England, he guided Britain through Brexit, which he compared to the current strain between Canada and the US. Many Canadians see him as someone equipped to manage economic and diplomatic uncertainty.
In contrast, Poilievre, who served in former PM Stephen Harper’s government, has long styled himself as an outsider to Ottawa’s elite. He has appealed to working-class Canadians and distanced himself from Donald Trump, despite similarities in tone. “I am not MAGA,” he had once said referring to Trump’s campaign slogan.
He also criticised Trump’s claim that Canada could become the 51st state of the US and has backed reciprocal tariffs.
How Does Voting Work In Canada?
This year, over 28 million Canadians are registered to vote and will elect 343 MPs. These MPs represent individual electoral districts, known in Canada as ridings. The number of ridings has increased by five compared to the 2021 elections.
Despite being a G7 nation, Canada still relies on paper ballots instead of electronic voting. Voting is conducted manually, and ballots are counted by hand under the supervision of Elections Canada, the country’s independent election commission.
What Are The Voting Timings Across Canada’s Six Time Zones?
Due to the country’s vast geography and six time zones, voting times are staggered to allow for fairness:
Newfoundland Time: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm (4:30 pm to 4:30 am IST)
Atlantic Time: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm (6 pm to 6 am IST)
Eastern Time: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm (7 pm to 7 am IST)
Central Time: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm (7 pm to 7 am IST)
Mountain Time: 7:30 am to 7:30 pm (7 pm to 7 am IST)
Pacific Time: 7 am to 7 pm (7:30 pm to 7:30 am IST)
Vote counting begins immediately after polls close, and preliminary results are expected within 30 minutes of the last vote being cast.
Where To Watch The Coverage?
Live election day coverage, including real-time updates, will be available on the NDTV World website and app.
