OTTAWA – Canada’s 45th general election officially kicked off Sunday (March 23), with party leaders emphasizing national pride, economic resilience, and a firm stance against U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic tactics.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney set the campaign in motion by visiting Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament and announce the April 28 election date. Carney, who has never served as an MP, will run in Nepean, Ottawa, a riding neighboring Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s Carleton seat.
In his opening remarks, Carney rejected divisive politics, saying, “Negativity won’t win a trade war,” and promising a one-point middle-class tax cut.
Poilievre and Singh Take Their Stances
Meanwhile, Poilievre, speaking in Gatineau, Quebec, focused on restoring Canada’s economic promise, reducing the cost of living, and strengthening national sovereignty. He accused Carney of being a “hand-picked successor” to Justin Trudeau, blaming Liberal policies for dividing the nation.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, launching his campaign from downtown Ottawa, highlighted his party’s role in securing national dental and pharmacare programs. He warned that neither the Liberals nor Conservatives would stand up to Trump’s economic aggression, stating, “When Trump comes demanding concessions, who will say no to trading away Canadian jobs?”
Trump’s Influence and Election Dynamics
Recent polls suggest a tight race between the Liberals and Conservatives, with the NDP losing ground. Trump’s threats of economic coercion and annexation have become a key election issue, with his tariffs and policy demands sparking debate on how Canada should respond.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s recent interview with Breitbart, in which she allegedly urged Trump to delay tariffs until after the election, has drawn cross-partisan criticism, with some calling it foreign interference.
Patriotism Takes Center Stage
All major party leaders emphasized Canadian sovereignty and values:
- Carney pledged to make Canada self-reliant, saying, “We can give ourselves more than any foreign government can take away.”
- Poilievre shared his personal story of adoption and opportunity, vowing to make Canada “strong, self-reliant, and sovereign.”
- Singh framed Canada’s social policies as a deliberate choice, ensuring that “no one gets left behind.”
Green Party’s Climate Stance
The Green Party, launching its campaign in Montreal, condemned the Liberal carbon tax pause. Co-leader Elizabeth May insisted that climate action must be a top priority, while co-leader Jonathan Pedneault (34), the youngest federal leader, will represent the party in debates.
As the campaign heats up, leaders will battle for votes over economic policy, national unity, and Canada’s response to U.S. pressure, with April 28 set as the decisive date.
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