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Canadians are preparing to make a pivotal decision regarding their government in the federal election scheduled for April 28. With time still available, voters can equip themselves with the knowledge necessary for informed choices at the ballot box.
Since the campaign kicked off last month, Global News has been closely monitoring key promises made by the principal political parties, focusing on issues that resonate deeply with Canadian citizens.
For those unsure about their voting preference, here’s a comprehensive overview of critical information to consider ahead of election day.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney aims for a fourth consecutive term for his party. He faces competition from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, New Democrat Party Leader Jagmeet Singh, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, Green Party co-leaders Jonathan Pedneault and Elizabeth May, and Maxime Bernier of the People’s Party of Canada. Notably, this marks the first federal election for Carney, Poilievre, and Pedneault as party leaders, both Carney and Pedneault seeking to secure a seat in the House of Commons for the first time.
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Background Leading to the Election
As per Canada’s fixed election date legislation, a federal election was mandated by October 2025, sparking ongoing speculation about the timing of its announcement. This anticipation intensified in September 2024, amid turmoil within the Liberal Party, leading to calls for former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation due to declining approval ratings and unrest within the party.
Trudeau confirmed in January 2025 that he would step down once a successor was appointed, subsequently proroguing Parliament. Mark Carney was elected as the new Liberal leader on March 9, leading to the calling of the election on March 23, with Governor General Mary Simon consenting to dissolve Parliament shortly before its scheduled return.
In the interim, the House of Commons and Senate had not convened since December 2024, as they remained in recess when Trudeau prorogued Parliament.
Carney cited growing threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, inaugurated the previous January, and the imposition of tariffs on Canada, as significant factors prompting the election call, limiting the campaign period to five weeks.
Polling from Ipsos, commissioned by Global News at the campaign’s outset, indicated that Canadians identified the relationship with the U.S. as one of the top three pressing national issues.
Both Carney and Poilievre have expressed intentions to engage in discussions on trade and security with the United States immediately following the election.
Party Promises Overview
Details regarding each party’s promises can be accessed here, but the following are key highlights from the campaign:
Tariffs and U.S. Relations
All major federal parties have committed to enhancing Canada’s domestic economy and diversifying international trade links to mitigate dependency on the U.S. amid escalating tensions stemming from Trump’s policies.
The Liberals propose establishing a $2 billion strategic response fund aimed at supporting the auto sector impacted by tariffs while safeguarding manufacturing jobs and reinforcing Canadian supply chains. Additionally, they plan to create a $5 billion trade diversification fund, advocating for the elimination of all federal internal trade barriers by Canada Day this year.
The Conservatives aim to bolster natural resource development and exports, promising expedited approvals for energy projects and partnerships with Indigenous communities. Poilievre has also introduced a loan program for businesses affected by tariffs and plans to renegotiate the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement shortly after taking office.
Both the NDP and Greens emphasize prioritizing Canadian companies in defense contracts over foreign entities, with the NDP advocating for tax-free savings bonds to help stabilize the economy in light of tariff pressures. The Greens propose forming an “economic NATO” of aligned nations to counter U.S. aggressiveness.
The Bloc Quebecois centers its tariff plan on supporting Quebec industries such as aluminum and agriculture, proposing relief programs reminiscent of those established during the COVID-19 pandemic, and a “Buy Canadian” law encouraging federal purchasing of domestically produced goods.
Affordability and Cost of Living
Voters have identified rising living costs as their top concern, and party leaders are responding with pledges to ease financial burdens through tax reductions.
The Conservative platform outlines a 15% reduction in federal income taxes, targeting a 2.5% decrease for the lowest tax bracket, with projected savings of approximately $900 for individuals earning $57,000 annually.
The Liberals aim to implement a “middle-class tax cut,” proposing a reduction in the lowest tax bracket’s marginal rate by one percentage point, which could save individuals up to $412 per year.
The NDP plans to slash the Goods and Services Tax on essential items, including groceries and home heating, while proposing an increase in the basic personal tax exemption for those earning under $177,882, translating to annual savings of $505. The party intends to fund this through a tax on excessive profits from large corporations.
The Green Party’s “Fair Taxation” strategy targets the ultra-wealthy, including large banks and technology firms, aiming to offer relief to working families while proposing the elimination of federal income tax on incomes below $40,000.
The Bloc Quebecois has committed to enacting tax breaks for seniors who continue working and doubling the GST credit during periods of inflation above the Bank of Canada’s target range.
Housing
Each party has committed to increasing housing development to address soaring costs and housing shortages.
Both the Liberals and Conservatives propose removing the GST on new homes, albeit at differing thresholds. The Liberals promise to construct nearly 500,000 homes per year over the next decade, while the Conservatives target building 2.3 million homes within five years and suggest selling federal properties to facilitate this initiative.
The NDP plans to build three million homes by 2030 and intends to replace the existing House Accelerator Fund with a permanent $16 billion housing strategy, advocating for national rent control. The Greens plan to tackle market loopholes driving up housing prices and aim to build 1.2 million affordable housing units in seven years.
The Bloc Quebecois supports transferring federal land and buildings at discounted rates and revising capital gains tax exemptions to prevent real estate speculators.
Defence Spending
The Liberals, Conservatives, and Bloc Quebecois are unified in their commitment to achieve the NATO defence spending target of at least 2% of GDP by 2030, while the NDP extends this timeline to 2032.
All parties intend to enhance investments in Arctic security, with the Bloc Quebecois advocating for prioritizing Quebec-based aerospace and defense firms for contracts. The Liberals and Conservatives aim to improve salaries and living conditions for military personnel, working towards recruitment goals and filling personnel shortages.
The Conservative platform suggests a $17 billion increase in defence spending over the next four years. Poilievre has also promised to establish a permanent military base in Iqaluit within two years of a Conservative administration, along with an Arctic naval base in Manitoba.
The Liberal plan includes a $30.9 billion increase in defence spending over the same period, with significant investment towards Arctic initiatives and partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Both the NDP and Greens propose canceling the F-35 fighter jet contract with the U.S., a review prompted by developments related to tariffs imposed by Trump.
Polling Insights
The announcement of Trudeau’s resignation, coupled with Carney’s selection as the new Liberal leader, appears to have reversed a prolonged decline in Liberal polling, as they have consistently outperformed the Conservatives during the campaign, although the gap has diminished over time.
Ipsos polling for Global News indicated that, following the first week of the campaign, the Liberals held a six-point advantage over the Conservatives, which widened to twelve points after two weeks. Recent trends show Liberal support has slipped by five points while Conservative backing has increased, resulting in a notably close race with a three-point margin in polling conducted after the leaders’ debates.
The NDP has maintained stable support near 10%, while the Bloc Quebecois and Greens hover around five and two percent, respectively. Advance voting saw record participation, with an estimated 7.3 million Canadians casting early ballots during the lengthy Easter weekend.
Eligible voters who requested a special ballot voting kit before the Tuesday deadline must return it by mail or to an Elections Canada office by Monday. Further details on special ballots can be found here.
Voters participating in-person at polling stations will be required to confirm their identity using one of three methods:
- A government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport, displaying your name, photo, and current address;
- Two forms of accepted ID, both including your name and current address (click here for a complete list of accepted IDs); or
- Declaring your identity and address in writing, with a witness from the polling station.
Most Canadian citizens aged 18 and older are eligible to vote and are already listed in the National Register of Electors, according to Elections Canada.
Registered voters should have received their voter information card by April 11, detailing their polling location and voting hours. If anyone hasn’t received one, they can reach out to Elections Canada online, by phone, or visit the agency’s website to access their voting information.
While having the voter information card along with accepted ID expedites the voting process, it isn’t mandatory as long as registration exists. Individuals not registered but who meet eligibility requirements can register online or at polling stations, with Elections Canada facilitating the process.
When Are Results Expected?
Preliminary results will begin to be shared by Elections Canada promptly after the polls close.
Media outlets will leverage these results to project the election outcome, utilizing sophisticated data and statistical analysis teams, although final certification of results by Elections Canada can take several days.
Global News is committed to delivering live, up-to-the-minute results and election outcomes through various platforms.
The following is a schedule of voting hours across Canada, as specified by Elections Canada (all times are local):
- Newfoundland Time: 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
- Atlantic Time: 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
- Eastern Time: 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.
- Central Time: 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
- Mountain Time (and Saskatchewan): 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Pacific Time: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
Certain electoral districts, such as those mentioned below, may span multiple time zones. In these cases, the local returning officer, upon the chief electoral officer’s consent, will determine a unified voting time for the entire riding, communicated on voter information cards sent to residents:
- Labrador: 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. NDT/8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. ADT
- Gaspésie–Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine–Listuguj: 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. EDT/9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. ADT
- Kenora–Kiiwetinoong: 8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. CDT/9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. EDT
- Thunder Bay–Rainy River: 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. EDT/8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. CDT
- Desnethé–Missinippi–Churchill River: 7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. CST/8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. CDT
- Columbia–Kootenay–Southern Rockies: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. PDT/8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. MDT
- Kamloops–Shuswap–Central Rockies: 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. PDT/8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m. MDT
- Nunavut: 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m. EDT/8:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. CDT/7:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. MDT
Source
globalnews.ca