Future Of Canada Hangs In Balance: 37 Days Of Election Drama For 343 Seats Kicks Off

Ottawa: In a crucial moment for Canadian politics, the 37-day election campaign for 343 seats in the House of Commons kicked off on Sunday. The campaign promises to be a thrilling and unpredictable ride, with the governing Liberals, led by new Prime Minister Mark Carney, facing off against the Conservative Party, helmed by Pierre Poilievre. The election campaign comes at a critical juncture in Canadian history, with the country grappling with the fallout of a trade war and annexation threats from US President Donald Trump. The Trump administration's imposition of 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium, coupled with threats of sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products, has sent shockwaves through the Canadian economy.

Against this backdrop, Prime Minister Carney and Conservative leader Poilievre launched their respective campaigns, each vying to convince Canadians that they are the best equipped to navigate the treacherous waters of US-Canada relations. Carney, a seasoned economist and former head of the Bank of Canada, has pledged to stand up to Trump's aggressive trade policies, while Poilievre, a firebrand populist, has vowed to put "Canada first" and defund the country's public broadcaster.

The election campaign will be a five-week sprint, with Canadians heading to the polls on April 28, 2025. The party that commands a majority in Parliament, either alone or with the support of another party, will form the next government, and its leader will become the prime minister.

As the campaign heats up, Canadians can expect a barrage of promises, counter-promises, and heated debates on the issues that matter most. The Liberals, who had appeared poised for a historic election defeat under Justin Trudeau, until Trump's trade war salvaged their fortunes, will seek to capitalise on their newfound momentum. The Conservatives, meanwhile, will aim to regain lost ground and convince Canadians that they are the better choice to lead the country through uncertain times putting forth the records under Trudeau's rule.

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How Elections Are Held In Canada

With the announcement of the election date, the Canadians from coast to coast are preparing to exercise their democratic right to shape the future of their country. The process begins months in advance, as parties select their candidates and campaign teams fan out across the country to rally support. Debates, town halls, and rallies provide opportunities for Canadians to engage with the candidates and hear their visions for the country.

As election day approaches, Canadians head to the polls to cast their ballots. They are asked to choose a member of parliament (MP) to represent their riding, or electoral district, in the House of Commons. The candidate with the most votes in each riding wins the seat.

The party with the most seats in the House of Commons forms the government, and its leader becomes the prime minister. In the event of a minority government, where no party holds a majority of seats, the party with the most seats must negotiate with other parties to pass legislation.

The experts believe that will the current government be returned to power, or will a new party take the reins, only time will tell, but one thing is certain, the 2025 general election will be a crucial moment in Canadian history.

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What At Stakes In The Elections

The stakes are high in the 2025 general election. Canadians are concerned about the economy, healthcare, climate change, and the country's relationship with its southern neighbour, the United States. The election is also expected to be a referendum on the leadership of the current government and its handling of key issues, including rising inflation, tariff war with the US, relation with India and other various domestic and global issues.

According to data from Elections Canada, voter turnout in federal elections has been steadily increasing over the past few decades. In the 2019 federal election, 65.95% of eligible voters cast ballots, up from 61.1% in 2015.

Youth voter turnout has also been on the rise. In 2019, 58.3% of eligible voters aged 18-24 cast ballots, up from 45.1% in 2015.

As Canadians head to the polls in 2025, they will be deciding not only who will lead their country but also the direction they want it to take. The election is a chance for Canadians to shape their future and hold their leaders accountable.

The Players:

- Mark Carney: The new Prime Minister of Canada, who replaced Justin Trudeau in March 2025. A seasoned economist and former head of the Bank of Canada.
- Pierre Poilievre: The leader of the Conservative Party, who will face off against Carney in the election. A firebrand populist who vows to put "Canada first."

The Issues:

- Trade War with the US: The Trump administration's imposition of tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum, and threats of sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products.
- Annexation Threats: Trump's repeated claims that Canada should become the 51st US state.
- Economic Uncertainty: The impact of the trade war and annexation threats on the Canadian economy.