Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially called the Canadian federal election for April 28, 2025. The announcement, two weeks after he was elected to replace Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party on March 3, 2025, and sworn in as Prime Minister on March 14, and sets the stage for a five-week campaign leading up to the election on April 28.

Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada, won over 85% of the first-preference votes for the Liberal Party leadership and secured a majority in all 343 ridings. He made history as the first Prime Minister in Canada to have never held elected office before his leadership.

He emphasized the need for a strong mandate to address escalating trade tensions with the United States and to steer Canada toward economic stability. The campaign is expected to focus on sovereignty, economic policies, and relations with the U.S.

Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada since September 10, 2022, will seek to lead the Conservative Party back to form a government after over 10 years in opposition. The Conservative Party has been in the opposition since losing the 2015 election.

This election will be the first to use a new 343-seat electoral map based on the 2021 Canadian census.

Key Issues

As the Canadian federal election approaches, escalating trade tensions with the United States are a significant issue. There will be several key points of concern:

• Tariffs and Trade Barriers: Canada has faced various tariffs and trade barriers imposed by the U.S. on Canadian goods, particularly in sectors like softwood lumber, steel, and aluminum. These tariffs can negatively impact Canadian industries and jobs.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, and trade tensions have exacerbated these issues. Canada relies heavily on trade with the U.S., and disruptions can affect the economy and availability of goods.
• Bilateral Relations: The relationship between Canada and the U.S. is complex, with both countries being each other’s largest trading partners. The decisions of the current U.S. Administration will have direct implications for Canadian businesses and the economy.
• Impact on Canadian Economy: Trade tensions will be seen to lead to uncertainty in the Canadian economy, affecting investment decisions and economic growth. Voters will be concerned about how political parties plan to navigate these tensions and protect Canadian economic interests.

Overall, trade relations with the United States are a critical issue that will influence voter sentiment and party platforms in the upcoming election as Canadians seek leaders who can effectively manage these challenges.

Several other key issues, somewhat related to the escalating trade tensions with the United States, are also shaping the political landscape and influencing voter concerns:

• Cost of Living and Inflation: Many Canadians are feeling the impact of rising prices for essential goods and services. Addressing inflation and the overall cost of living is a top priority for voters.
• Economic Recovery: Post-pandemic economic recovery is a key issue, with discussions around job creation, support for businesses, and strategies to boost the economy.
• Healthcare: Access to healthcare services, wait times, and the overall quality of the healthcare system are critical issues. There is ongoing debate about how to improve healthcare funding and accessibility.
• Housing Affordability: The rising cost of housing, particularly in urban areas, is a pressing issue. Many Canadians are concerned about the availability of affordable housing and the impact of housing prices on their financial stability.
• Climate Change and Environmental Policy: Climate change remains a significant concern for many Canadians. Voters are looking for effective policies to address environmental issues, reduce carbon emissions, and promote sustainable practices.

These issues are likely to be central to the campaigns of various political parties as they seek to address the concerns of Canadians leading up to the election.

Key dates

The key dates for the election are:

• Election called Sunday, March 23, 2025
• Early in-person voting starts on Sunday, March 23, 2025, and closes on Tuesday, April 22, 2025
• There are specific periods for location-specific early in-person voting for Vote on Campus, the Canadian Armed Forces, incarcerated electors, people in acute care facilities and voting at Elections Canada offices
• Voter registration closes on Tuesday, April 22, 2025
• The deadline for vote-by-mail applications is Tuesday, April 22, 2025
• Election day is Monday, April 28, 2025
• Mail votes must be completed on or before election day and be returned by election day (Monday, April 28, 2025)

Canadian federal elections are conducted by Elections Canada, an independent, non-partisan agency federal agency responsible for conducting elections and referendums, providing voter education and enforcing electoral laws, including political advertising regulations.

More details are available on the Elections Canada website.