Canadians will head to the polls on 28 April to decide who will form the next government. The North American country finds itself locked in a trade war with the United States.
This trade row with the US, which comes after US President Donald Trump's tariff hikes and gybes to make Canada the 51st state of the US, will be a key factor as Canadians head to the polls.
Key parties
Three major parties are fielding candidates nationwide:
Liberal Party of Canada
Founded in 1867, the Liberal Party is Canada바카라™s oldest active political party. It traditionally occupies the centre to centre-left on the political spectrum, advocating for social liberalism, multiculturalism, and a mixed economy.
Key figures like Wilfrid Laurier, Pierre Trudeau, and Jean Chrétien shaped Canada's identity through progressive policies and nation-building efforts. The Liberals dominated much of the 20th century, earning the nickname "Canada's natural governing party." Since 2015, Justin Trudeau has led the party, promoting issues like climate action, social equity, and Indigenous reconciliation. The Liberals balance progressive social policies with generally moderate economic strategies to appeal broadly.
Conservative Party of Canada
The current Conservative Party was founded in 2003 from the merger of the Canadian Alliance and Progressive Conservative Party. It represents the centre-right to right-wing, emphasising fiscal conservatism, lower taxes, strong national defence, and traditional values. Historic conservative roots trace back to John A. Macdonald바카라™s original party at Confederation. Leaders like Stephen Harper brought modern successes, forming government from 2006 to 2015.
Pierre Poilievre now leads a populist-flavoured revival focusing on economic freedom, scepticism toward government overreach, and support for energy development. The party competes strongly in Western Canada, suburban areas, and is the main challenger to Liberal dominance.
New Democratic Party (NDP)
The NDP, founded in 1961, grew from the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) and Canada바카라™s labour movement. It is a left-wing party advocating for democratic socialism, stronger social programmes, workers바카라™ rights, and economic equality. Tommy Douglas, often called the "father of Medicare," was its first leader and remains an iconic figure. Though the NDP has never governed federally, it has often influenced major Liberal policies. Jack Layton바카라™s "Orange Wave" in 2011 brought unprecedented success, becoming the Official Opposition.
Today, led by Jagmeet Singh, the NDP continues pushing for affordable housing, healthcare expansion, and climate justice, often partnering with minority governments.
Bloc Québécois
In the 2025 Canadian federal election, the Bloc Québécois, led by Yves-François Blanchet, is focusing on Quebec sovereignty, cultural preservation, and fiscal autonomy. The party advocates for policies like protecting the French language, opposing federal interference in provincial matters, and diversifying trade partners. However, recent U.S. economic threats have shifted Quebec voters' priorities towards national unity, potentially impacting the Bloc's.
Green Party
In the 2025 Canadian federal election, the Green Party, co-led by Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, is emphasizing bold climate action, economic justice, and democratic reform. Their platform includes significant investments in public housing, universal pharmacare, and a guaranteed livable income by 2030. The party also advocates for a fair tax system, closing loopholes for the ultra-rich and corporations. In response to U.S. policies under Donald Trump, the Greens propose strengthening Canadian sovereignty through diversified trade partnerships and enhanced defense measures. Despite fielding candidates in all 343 ridings, the Green Party was excluded from the official election debates due to not meeting the required criteria.
Key Candidates
Mark Carney
Mark Carney, 60, is the current prime minister of Canada, having taken office only a few weeks ago. In early March, the Liberal Party overwhelmingly elected him as leader with over 85% support, following Justin Trudeau바카라™s resignation.
Carney is a well-known figure in both Canada and the United Kingdom, having served as governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis and later leading the Bank of England through the Brexit period. Born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, he is the first Canadian prime minister from the North. He later grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, before attending Harvard University.
Pierre Poilievre (Conservative Party)
Pierre Poilievre, Conservative leader since 2022, positions himself as the candidate of "common sense" and economic freedom. A long-time Ottawa MP, he is known for sharp rhetoric, criticising government overspending, carbon taxes, and housing unaffordability. Poilievre바카라™s populist style resonates particularly with younger voters concerned about affordability and personal freedoms. He promotes cutting red tape, boosting energy production, and reforming the Bank of Canada.
While beloved by the Conservative base, his outspoken style sometimes polarises broader audiences. Nevertheless, he바카라™s energised the right-leaning electorate, making the Conservatives serious contenders to win the 2025 election and form a government.
Jagmeet Singh (New Democratic Party - NDP)
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP since 2017, is the first racialized person to lead a major Canadian federal party. A former Ontario MPP and lawyer, Singh champions affordability, workers' rights, climate action, and racial justice.
Though the NDP hasn't won federal power under his leadership, Singh has played a critical role propping up Trudeau바카라™s minority governments in exchange for policy wins like dental care expansion and pharmacare progress. Charismatic, stylish, and socially media-savvy, Singh appeals to younger and progressive voters. In 2025, he aims to grow NDP influence further, hoping to expand beyond traditional urban and labour strongholds.
