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Canada holds a snap federal election in 2025 to choose its new prime minister amid challenges such as US tariff threats and domestic issues like housing. The contest features Liberal leader Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre as frontrunners, with significant focus on Canada's relationship with the US and how each candidate plans to handle President Trump’s influence.
The BBC reports election results using data provided by Elections Canada, which organizes elections nationwide. Due to Canada’s vast geography and six time zones, polls close at different times, with initial results starting from Newfoundland and Labrador and ending in British Columbia. Preliminary results are termed 'leading' and will be updated when validated by Elections Canada over the following days.
Canada's strategy in response to US President Trump’s trade measures mixes negotiation efforts to secure a new trade deal ('carrot') and counter tariffs against US levies ('stick'). Tariffs imposed on Canadian goods have led to about C$65bn in countermeasures. Both the Liberals and Conservatives support retaliatory tariffs but differ in their plans on how revenue will support affected industries and diversify trade away from reliance on the US.
Voting commenced early in some areas like Newfoundland and Labrador, where the first polls have closed at 20:30 local time. Vote counting started immediately. The current parliament has 343 seats, with Liberals holding 152 seats and Conservatives 120. Other parties include Bloc Québécois, New Democrat Party, and Green Party. Full tallies will take several hours to arrive.
In regions like Vancouver-Granville, voters approach this election with greater care than before, driven by care over US politics’ impacts locally. Besides confronting the 'Trump factor,' voters discussed key concerns — crime, the economy, natural resource management, and particularly affordable housing. Many see the election as critical for addressing these varied issues.
Canada’s House of Commons expanded from 338 to 343 seats ahead of the election. A majority will now require 172 seats instead of 170. Election boundaries were redrawn to reflect population changes, affecting past seat distributions. The Liberals defend an estimated 154 seats, needing 18 gains for a majority, while the Conservatives defend 128. These factors set the electoral dynamics for the upcoming counts.
Voter turnout in Canada has varied, with a recent decline observed in 2021. This 2025 election features a record advance vote of over 7 million Canadians, indicating heightened engagement likely due to the election’s weighty issues and external pressures, including US President Trump’s threats. Polling stations saw queues, signaling strong interest as Canadians prepare to cast their ballots.
A tragic attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu festival, where 11 people were killed, deeply affected the community. Voters like Marichu Jaro expressed that this event would influence the election, highlighting mental health and public safety as important concerns. The attack brought voters together with a reinforced sense of responsibility to effect change through their votes.
US President Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric about annexing Canada as the '51st state' has overshadowed the election campaign. Prime contenders Mark Carney (Liberal) and Pierre Poilievre (Conservative) must navigate this tense cross-border dynamic. Poilievre strongly rejects US interference, advocating for Canadian sovereignty, while Carney targets Trump directly. The economic disparity between the US and Canada complicates this challenge.
Liberal leader Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre both cast their ballots as polls continue to close across provinces. While counting is underway for some ballots, the final results are expected by late Monday or early Tuesday. Voters throughout Canada contribute their voice in what may be a decisive election concerning national leadership and policy direction.
Certain Canadians involved in administering the election, like Stéphane Perrault, Chief Electoral Officer of Elections Canada, are legally barred from voting during their tenure to maintain election integrity. Similarly, Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon abstains from voting to preserve political neutrality. Their roles underscore the impartiality necessary for democratic processes.