Canada is witnessing one of its most energized elections in recent history, as a record 7.3 million voters have already cast their ballots ahead of the official election day scheduled for April 28. The announcement by Elections Canada marks a 25% increase in advance voting compared to the last federal election held in 2021.
The early voter turnout represents roughly a quarter of all eligible voters in Canada, highlighting growing public interest and urgency around this year’s elections. Political analysts say the surge in early voting signals a highly engaged electorate, stirred by economic uncertainty, rising cost of living, and an escalating trade conflict with the United States under President Donald Trump.
Advance polling stations were open across the country from Friday to Monday over the Easter holiday weekend. Long queues were reported at many polling centres, especially on Friday, when nearly 2 million Canadians voted in a single day.
Elections Canada, the independent body that organizes federal elections, confirmed that the 7.3 million early ballots cast have set a new national record. In addition to in-person voting, mail-in ballots have also seen a significant uptick. More than 754,000 special ballots have been returned so far, surpassing the 660,000 mail-in votes recorded in the 2021 election.
The high turnout comes at a time of major political and economic challenges in Canada. The country is currently in the middle of a trade war with the United States, following President Trump’s controversial decision to impose a blanket 25% tariff on Canadian exports. While goods covered under the USMCA (the North American free trade agreement) are exempt, Canadian steel, aluminium, and auto exports have been hit hard. Thousands of jobs have already been affected, particularly in the automotive sector.
Adding fuel to the political fire are repeated remarks by Trump suggesting that Canada should consider becoming the 51st U.S. state—a comment widely condemned by Canadians across the political spectrum.
With these issues dominating headlines, the upcoming election will decide not only who leads the federal government but also how Canada navigates its future relationship with its powerful southern neighbour.
As the final week of campaigning kicks off, the Liberal Party, led by former central banker Mark Carney, is enjoying a surprising 5-point lead over the opposition Conservative Party, according to recent polls. Carney, who previously served as Governor of the Bank of Canada and later the Bank of England, took over the party’s leadership after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped down in January.
Trudeau’s resignation had initially left the Liberals struggling in the polls, dipping to just 20% support. However, Carney’s entry into the race and his focus on economic stability and strong foreign policy have helped revive the party’s fortunes.
On the campaign trail in Quebec and Prince Edward Island, Carney positioned his party as the best choice to defend Canadian interests in the face of Trump’s aggressive trade tactics.
“Pierre Poilievre has no plan to stand up to President Trump,” Carney told supporters, referring to the Conservative leader.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, has centered his campaign on the theme of change. With nine years of Liberal government behind them, many Canadians are eager for new leadership.
Poilievre has focused on bread-and-butter issues like housing affordability, crime, and government spending. Speaking at a campaign rally in Vaughan, Ontario, he presented his party’s platform and pledged to restore fiscal responsibility.
“It’s time for the government to start pinching pennies,” Poilievre said. “We can choose change. We can choose hope. We can choose our future.”
The Conservative leader has promised to cut what he calls “wasteful government spending” and to focus on job creation, especially in sectors impacted by American tariffs.
While the race appears tight between the Liberals and Conservatives, other parties remain in the mix. The Bloc Quebecois, which campaigns exclusively in Quebec and supports separatism for the French-speaking province, is currently polling in third place. The left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) trails behind in fourth.
This year’s campaign has been one of the most closely watched and contentious in recent memory. With the economy under pressure, cross-border tensions rising, and public concern over Canada’s sovereignty growing, voter interest has reached record levels.
With just days remaining before election day, federal party leaders are making their final pushes across the country. Rallies, media interviews, and last-minute debates are filling up their schedules as they try to sway undecided voters.
Elections Canada continues to encourage eligible voters who haven’t yet cast their ballots to do so on April 28, reminding citizens of the importance of participating in the democratic process.
The outcome of the vote is likely to have far-reaching consequences—not just for domestic policy but also for Canada’s standing on the world stage.
