Canada Election 2025 Live Updates: Voting under way amid US tariff and annexation threats

The main candidates in Canada’s current election are:

*Mark Carney (Liberal Party) – The incumbent prime minister.

*Pierre Poilievre (Conservative Party) – The leading challenger.

*Other parties represented in parliament include:

*Yves-François Blanchet (Bloc Québécois)

*Jagmeet Singh (New Democratic Party)

*Elizabeth May (Green Party)

However, this election is seen largely as a two-person race between Carney and Poilievre.

Mark Carney, 60, is the former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. He became prime minister after winning the Liberal Party leadership last month. Pierre Poilievre, 45, has led the Conservative Party, shifting it to a more populist stance. He has been compared to Donald Trump, with promises to prioritise Canadian interests by strengthening the military and securing borders.

Canada has been dealing with a cost-of-living crisis for some time. And more than 75 per cent of its exports go to the US, so Trump’s threat to impose sweeping tariffs and his desire to get North American automakers to move Canada’s production south could severely damage the Canadian economy.

Both Carney and Poilievre said that if elected, they would accelerate renegotiations of a free trade deal between Canada and the U.S. in a bid to end the uncertainty hurting both of their economies.

Carney has notable experience navigating economic crises after running Canada’s central bank and later becoming the first non-U.K. citizen to run the Bank of England.

The US president’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st state have infuriated Canadians and led to a surge in nationalism that has helped the Liberal Party flip the narrative heading into Monday’s parliamentary election, at least in opinion polls.

“Trump is the campaign,” former Quebec Premier Jean Charest said. “The ballot question is who is the person we are going to choose to face Trump. Everything has changed.” Foreign policy hasn’t affected a Canadian election this much since 1988, when, ironically, free trade with the United States dominated the political discourse.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, the Liberal leader who was sworn in on March 14 following Justin Trudeau’s resignation, led in the polls heading into Monday, marking a dramatic turnaround for a party that seemed destined for a crushing defeat until Trump started launching broadsides at Canada’s economy and sovereignty, AP reported.

“We are in a crisis. President Trump is threatening Canada, he’s threatening our companies, he’s threatening our workers, he’s threatening the savings our our retirees,” Carney said Tuesday. “This threat is not only an economic threat, it is an existential threat.” Until a few months ago, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre was seen as a shoo-in to become the next prime minister by shepherding his opposition faction back into power for the first time in a decade.

1. Mark Carney – Liberal Party – Former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England; became Prime Minister in March 2025.

• Maintaining retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. until American tariffs are lifted.
• Reducing taxes for low-income earners.
• Eliminating GST for first-time homebuyers.
• Expanding military spending to meet NATO targets.
• Investing in the auto sector and enhancing border security.​

2. Pierre Poilievre – Conservative Party – Leader since 2022; known for his populist and libertarian approach.

• Proposing a mutual tariff removal deal with the U.S.
• Deregulating to advance energy projects and ending EV mandates.
• Establishing a national energy corridor.
• Eliminating federal sales tax on homes under C$1.3 million.
• Cutting the lowest income tax rate by 15%.
• Reducing the deficit by slashing bureaucracy and foreign aid.
• Implementing tougher crime policies. ​

3. Jagmeet Singh – New Democratic Party (NDP) – Leader since 2017; former human rights lawyer.

• Student debt forgiveness.
• Reducing carbon emissions.
• Implementing universal pharmacare.
• Imposing tariffs on Tesla and incentivizing Canadian-made EVs. ​

4. Yves-François Blanchet – Bloc Québécois – Leader since 2019; advocates for Quebec sovereignty.

• Diversifying trade partners in response to US tariffs affecting Quebec’s aluminium industry.

The official Elections Canada handle on social media platform X countered a claim that ballot boxes were meddled with by election workers. The video claiming this was shared on YouTube. However, the body responsible for conducting elections pointed out the boxes shown were not marked boxes and did not contain ballots.

There is a video being shared online, along with some inaccurate information. The ballot boxes in the video are not full of marked ballots; they contain the materials needed to set up the polls for election day. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/S58sDqAgYT

— Elections Canada (@ElectionsCan_E) April 28, 2025

The Forum Poll is projecting 186 seats for the Liberals, 122 seats for the Conservatives, 29 seats for BQ, and 6 seats for NDP. A party must win at least 172 seats to form a majority government.

The final poll by Liaison Strategies for the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) found that the Liberals were leading with 43 per cent to the Conservatives 41 per cent.

Canada’s snap election on April 28, 2025, has emerged as one of the most consequential in decades. But why are the stakes so high in this election? Here’s a look at key reasons:

Sovereignty under threat: For the first time in recent memory, Canada’s national sovereignty has become a central election issue.
Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, coupled with inflammatory rhetoric hinting at territorial ambitions, has heightened fears over Canada’s autonomy. The election is thus widely seen as a referendum on how Canada should respond to external pressures and maintain its independence, both economically and politically.

Economic uncertainty and retaliation measures: Trump’s tariffs have disrupted key Canadian industries — notably automobiles, agriculture, and steel — leading to higher consumer prices, slower economic growth, and job losses in vulnerable sectors. Canada’s retaliatory tariffs and calls for a boycott of American goods and travel have triggered a nationalist backlash. Voters are now deciding which leader they trust to shield Canada’s economy from further damage and navigate a fraught relationship with its largest trading partner.

Collapse of political stability: The resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the rapid rise of Mark Carney to leadership reflect a deep political crisis within the Liberal Party. The election was called early precisely because the government lost public and party confidence, creating an urgency for a fresh mandate. In this sense, the election is about more than policies; it is about restoring political stability at a precarious moment for Canada.

Future of US-Canada relations: This election will shape the tone and strategy of Canada’s relations with the United States for years to come. Carney’s Liberals advocate a firm, retaliatory posture. Poilievre’s Conservatives argue for reopening dialogue and seeking a mutual tariff rollback.

Domestic faultlines: Even beyond US relations, Canadians are grappling with inflation, housing affordability, and environmental policies. Young voters burdened by high r ent and student debt. Homebuyers squeezed out of the market. Regional divides on issues like energy, climate change, and immigration.

After Poilievre, Carney takes a shot at Trump. “This is Canada — and we decide what happens here,” the Canadian PM posted on social media platform X.

This is Canada — and we decide what happens here. pic.twitter.com/1baJGn7pwv

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 28, 2025

Carney was responding to a post on his social media platform Truth Social, where the US President told Canadian voters to vote for Trump himself— to become the 51st state of the US.

Within an hour of US President Donald Trump’s message to “the great people of Canada” on who they should elect, and on the supposed benefits Canada would have as “the cherished 51st state” of the US, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre responded asking him to “stay out” of the election.

Poilievre said, Canada “will NEVER be the 51st state.”

President Trump, stay out of our election. The only people who will decide the future of Canada are Canadians at the ballot box.

Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state.

Today Canadians can vote for change so we can strengthen…

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) April 28, 2025

Within an hour of US President Donald Trump’s message to “the great people of Canada” on who they should elect, and on the supposed benefits Canada would have as “the cherished 51st state” of the US, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre responded asking him to “stay out” of the election.

Poilievre said, Canada “will NEVER be the 51st state.”

President Trump, stay out of our election. The only people who will decide the future of Canada are Canadians at the ballot box.

Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state.

Today Canadians can vote for change so we can strengthen…

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) April 28, 2025

US President Donald Trump, in a confusing post on his social media platform Truth Social, appeared to endorse Conservative leader Pierre Pilievre, who has promised tax cuts in the country. However, in the same post, Trump also sought to highlight the various advantages Canada would have if it became the 51st state of the US.

While Trump has not formally endorsed any candidate in the election, many in his circle have backed Poilievre, who has pushed a “Canada first” agenda reminiscent of Trump’s “America first” slogan. Both Carney and Poilievre have said protecting Canadian sovereignty would be one of their top priorities.

Like his rival Carney, Pierre Poilievre also took to social media shortly after polls opened all across Canada. He urged people to vote for the Conservative Party in the election.

Let's bring it home.

Vote for Change today. Vote Conservative.

Find where to vote here: https://t.co/IY42CBtmjU pic.twitter.com/v7SyGyQGL1

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) April 28, 2025

In a post on social media platform X, Carney said, “Go vote Canada Strong,” referring to his and the Liberal Party’s platform.

It’s Election Day, Canada.

Go vote Canada Strong.

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) April 28, 2025

US President Donald Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods has significantly influenced Canada’s 2025 federal election, transforming it into a referendum on national sovereignty and economic independence. ​

The tariffs have disrupted key Canadian industries, including automotive, agriculture, and steel, leading to economic uncertainty. In response, Canada imposed retaliatory tariffs and initiated a widespread boycott of American products and travel. This movement, supported by political leaders and the public, reflects a surge in nationalistic sentiment. ​

Initially, the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, held a substantial lead in the polls. However, Trump’s aggressive trade policies and annexation rhetoric shifted public opinion, benefiting the Liberal Party under new leader Mark Carney. Carney’s economic expertise and firm stance against US pressures resonated with voters concerned about national autonomy. ​

The election has become a key moment for Canada, with voters prioritising leadership capable of defending the country’s sovereignty and economic interests. The outcome will determine Canada’s approach to its relationship with the U.S. and its path forward in the face of external challenges. ​

According to the final Nanos Research poll conducted on April 27, the Liberals hold a slight lead over the Conservatives:

• Liberal Party (Mark Carney): 42.6%
• Conservative Party (Pierre Poilievre): 39.9%
• New Democratic Party (Jagmeet Singh): 7.8%
• Bloc Québécois (Yves-François Blanchet): 6.4%
• Green Party: 1.9%
• People’s Party: 1.1%

Of Canada’s estimated population of 41 million people, almost 29 million people are eligible to vote. A record 7.3 million people have already cast advanced ballots.

Read more about the final appeal made by the top two contenders.

Pierre Poilievre, who has been the Conservative Party leader since 2022 and is well-known for his populist and libertarian approach, has promised the following:

• Proposing a mutual tariff removal deal with the US
• Deregulating to advance energy projects and ending EV mandates.
• Establishing a national energy corridor.
• Eliminating federal sales tax on homes under C$1.3 million.
• Cutting the lowest income tax rate by 15 per cent.
• Reducing the deficit by slashing bureaucracy and foreign aid.
• Implementing tougher crime policies.

The former Governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, Liberal party leader Mark Carney became Prime Minister of Canada in March 2025. Here are his promises:

• Maintaining retaliatory tariffs against the US until American tariffs are lifted.
• Reducing taxes for low-income earners.
• Eliminating GST for first-time homebuyers.
• Expanding military spending to meet NATO targets.
• Investing in the auto sector and enhancing border security.

Canada-US Relations: President Trump’s imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods and annexation threats have heightened concerns over national sovereignty.

Economic Stability: Addressing inflation, housing affordability, and cost-of-living challenges.

Trade Policies: Debates over maintaining or removing tariffs and renegotiating trade agreements like the USMCA.

National Security: Enhancing military spending and border security in response to external threats.

Climate Change: Differing approaches to environmental policies, including EV mandates and carbon emissions reduction.

Read more about prominent election issues in Canada here.

Here are the opening and closing times for the polls for each time zone in Canada:

Mountain Time: 7:30 am – 7:30 pm (13:30 – 01:30 GMT)
Pacific Time: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm (14:00 – 02:00 GMT)
Newfoundland Time: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm (11:00 – 23:00 GMT)
Atlantic Time: 8:30 am – 8:30 pm (11:30 – 23:30 GMT)
Central Time: 8:30am – 8:30pm (13:30 – 01:30 GMT)
Eastern Time: 9:30am – 9:30pm (13:30 – 01:30 GMT)

Political turbulence in Canada began after Trump’s tariffs jolted the country’s economy and sparked public anxiety. Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned in protest against Trudeau’s handling of the crisis, and growing dissent within the Liberal Party forced Trudeau to step down.

Carney, seen as a steady hand on economic matters, was elevated to party leadership and quickly sought a new mandate from voters. His gamble is that Canadians will rally behind stability at a time of external threats.

The election outcome could have significant implications for Canada’s future trade policies, economic management, and its broader relationship with the United States.

Polls will close Monday evening, with results expected to begin rolling in overnight.