As Canada prepares to vote on April 28, the 2025 election is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal in recent history. With Justin Trudeau stepping down, the field is wide open — and the outcome will decide who takes the reins as the next Prime Minister of Canada.

Here’s a look at the main political players and where the major parties stand ahead of the big day:

Mark Carney: The Liberal Leader and Current PM

Age: 60
Party: Liberal Party

Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, is now the sitting Prime Minister — although he has never held elected office before. Chosen by the Liberals to succeed Trudeau, Carney has a reputation as a financial expert. He steered nations through the 2008 global financial crisis and Brexit, and now steps into politics with a bold promise: to defend Canada’s sovereignty against Donald Trump’s tariffs and ensure economic stability.

Hailing from Fort Smith in the Northwest Territories, Carney is also the first PM from northern Canada. However, his lack of political experience and limited French fluency could be obstacles in this election.

Pierre Poilievre: The Conservative Challenger

Age: 45
Party: Conservative Party

A political veteran, Pierre Poilievre was first elected to Parliament at just 25. Known for his sharp tongue and hard-hitting style, Poilievre is rallying voters with his “common sense politics” message. He has criticized the Liberals for failing Canadians on issues like housing, inflation, and jobs, and promises a more cost-effective, smaller government.

Though he’s been compared to Donald Trump for his populist tone, Poilievre has distanced himself from the former US president — who remarked that Poilievre isn’t “MAGA enough.” Meanwhile, Elon Musk has voiced support for the Conservative leader.

Yves-François Blanchet: The Voice of Quebec

Age: 60
Party: Bloc Québécois

Yves-François Blanchet leads the Bloc Québécois, a party focused solely on Quebec’s interests. While his party doesn’t aim for the prime minister’s chair, its influence in Quebec is undeniable. Blanchet has pushed back against US tariffs on aluminum, criticized Trump’s rhetoric, and wants Quebec to diversify its trade partnerships. With 23% support in Quebec, his party could play kingmaker in a close race.

Jagmeet Singh: The NDP’s Left-Wing Warrior

Age: 46
Party: New Democratic Party (NDP)

Jagmeet Singh made history as the first Sikh and ethnic minority leader of a major Canadian party. Known for championing labour rights and social equality, Singh has broken ties with the Liberals over a dispute involving railway workers, ending their previous “supply and confidence” agreement.

Currently polling at just 8.5% nationally, Singh and the NDP face an uphill battle to maintain their official party status in the House of Commons.

Key Poll Snapshot (As of Mid-April 2025):

Liberal Party: 43% in Quebec
Bloc Québécois: 23% in Quebec
NDP: 8.5% nationally

In Summary

With Canada Election 2025 just days away, the race between Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre is tighter than ever. Add in the regional strength of Blanchet’s Bloc and Singh’s NDP, and the stage is set for a dramatic political showdown. Who will lead Canada next? Voters will decide on April 28.