Canada’s Crossroads: Election Day Amid Trade Wars and Sovereignty Fears

On Monday, Canadians headed to the polls for a pivotal election marked by economic turmoil, trade tensions, and unprecedented annexation threats from the United States. The country’s future leadership hangs in the balance as citizens choose between extending interim Prime Minister Mark Carney’s mandate or handing control over to the Conservative Party after nearly a decade of Liberal governance. The voting process officially kicked off at 8:30 a.m. local time in Newfoundland and Labrador, setting the tone for a decisive day.

Canada’s uneasy relationship with its southern neighbor loomed large over the election. President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariffs on Canadian goods, coupled with his inflammatory remarks suggesting Canada could become the "51st state," have sparked widespread anger across the political spectrum. Addressing these threats, Carney stood firm in March, declaring, “We are masters in our own home,” vowing to defend Canada’s independence against external pressure.

Although multiple parties appear on federal ballots, the real contest narrows down to a face-off between Carney’s Liberals and the Conservative Party, helmed by longtime parliamentarian Pierre Poilievre. Carney, a relative political newcomer but an experienced former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, assumed leadership in March after Justin Trudeau’s resignation. Trudeau’s departure came on the heels of dismal polling numbers that forecasted a dramatic Liberal loss.

Taking office during an escalating trade war, Carney continued Trudeau’s retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. while adopting a defiant stance toward Washington. As tensions with the U.S. grew, Canadian public opinion shifted, allowing the Liberals to regain ground they had lost to the Conservatives. Carney’s campaign emphasized his deep understanding of global markets and financial institutions, presenting himself as the steady, centrist hand needed to navigate economic instability.

Promising to "build things in this country again," Carney laid out ambitious plans to make Canada less dependent on the U.S., advocating for the construction of new homes, factories, and energy sources. He pledged unwavering support for Canadian workers, businesses, and the country’s sovereignty. “We will stand up for our history, our values and our sovereignty,” Carney vowed in a March speech.

Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre framed the election as a battle between everyday Canadians and the so-called "Ottawa elites." Arguing that the Liberals were merely recycling old leadership under a new name, he rallied supporters with promises to cut taxes, streamline government operations, and dismantle environmental regulations to fully tap into Canada's natural resources. Poilievre’s "Canada First" platform focused on boosting economic self-reliance through aggressive development of pipelines, mines, and liquified natural gas projects.

Voter enthusiasm was palpable leading up to election day, with a record-breaking number of Canadians casting their ballots early. Kristina Ennis from St. John’s recounted waiting 45 minutes to vote during the advance polling days. Elections Canada confirmed that over 7.3 million Canadians voted before election day, representing a 25% increase compared to the 2021 election — a sign that the stakes of this election were felt deeply across the country.