Canadian voters are all set to head to the polls today, April 28, in a crucial election that could reshape the nation’s political future. The contest is heating up between incumbent Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney and fiery Conservative challenger Pierre Poilievre.
The election happens under dramatic circumstances — after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation and US President Donald Trump’s shocking remark about making Canada the 51st US state.
What’s at Stake?
If Mark Carney loses, he will become the shortest-serving Prime Minister in Canadian history. Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre is pushing his “Canada First” campaign hard, gaining significant momentum across the country.
There are 28 million registered voters ready to cast their ballots across 343 ridings, an increase from 338 in the 2021 election. Ballot counting, which is done manually, will begin shortly after polls close at 10 PM Eastern Time, keeping Canada’s six time zones in mind.
Key Issues Shaping the Vote
Relations with the US
Ever since Trump imposed hefty tariffs on Canadian goods, US-Canada relations have been tense.
- Carney promises to maintain retaliatory tariffs to protect Canadian industries.
- Poilievre, on the other hand, pledges a diplomatic approach to ease tensions and remove tariffs.
Economy and Taxes
As fears of a recession loom, both leaders have made strong economic promises:
- Mark Carney has vowed to cut the federal deficit, lower marginal tax rates for the lowest income bracket, and eliminate GST for first-time homebuyers purchasing properties under $1 million CAD.
- Pierre Poilievre plans to slash the lowest tax bracket by 15%, repeal the industrial carbon tax, and remove federal sales tax for first-time homebuyers up to $1.3 million CAD.
When and How to Vote
Voting times are staggered across Canada due to the country’s six time zones.
- In Newfoundland and Labrador, polls close at 7 PM ET (2300 GMT).
- Nationwide, polls close by 10 PM ET, after which the results will start coming in.
