Canadian Election Day

Canadians head to the polls today for their first federal election in a decade without former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the ballot. Recent polls show Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney with a narrow lead over Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

Carney has been in power since last month, selected by the Liberal Party to replace Trudeau after his resignation (see previous write-up). Poilievre—an ideological ally of US President Donald Trump—campaigned on a nationalist-populist agenda, pledging to put "Canada first" and defund the country's public broadcaster.

Conservatives held a 25-point lead at the start of 2025 but their lead fell as Trump levied steep tariffs against Canada and called for its annexation. The US is the biggest purchaser of Canadian goods, accounting for nearly 80% of its exports. Both candidates have emphasized the need to reach a trade agreement with the US.  

All 343 House of Commons seats are up for election. Whichever party (or parties) earns a majority of the seats will select Canada's leader. See live results here.