Canadians Vote as Trump Tensions Dominate Final Campaign Days

• Apr 28, 2025

Canadians are heading to the polls after a tense election campaign heavily shaped by fears over U.S. actions.

On Monday, Canadians cast their votes following a campaign dominated by U.S. President Donald Trump's threats, including tariffs on Canadian goods and comments about possibly annexing Canada. These remarks sparked a wave of patriotism that boosted support for Liberal Prime Minister Mark Carney, a newcomer to politics who previously led two G7 central banks.

The campaign's final day was marked by tragedy when a man drove an SUV through a Filipino community festival in Vancouver, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens. Carney paused his campaign briefly, and both he and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre addressed the incident during their final events. Despite the somber end, experts like Duane Bratt from Mount Royal University said it likely would not deter voters.

Polling just before election day showed Carney's Liberals leading by four points over Poilievre’s Conservatives. Ipsos reported the Liberals at 42% and Conservatives at 38%, while Angus Reid showed 44% support for Liberals and 40% for Conservatives. These results suggest Carney could secure a fourth consecutive Liberal mandate, though possibly without a majority in the 343-seat House of Commons.

Trump’s reappearance in the campaign spotlight added to the uncertainty. He threatened to raise tariffs on Canadian-made cars and hinted at using economic force to turn Canada into the 51st U.S. state. Political analysts like Kelly Saunders from Brandon University called this election the most consequential in recent memory, citing the deep concerns about U.S.-Canada relations.

Carney campaigned on his economic experience as key to managing Trump’s threats, while Poilievre focused on issues like the cost of living, crime, and housing shortages. Some voters, like Vancouver mortgage broker Andy Hill, backed Carney for stability, while others, like Alberta cattle rancher Bob Lowe, favored the Conservatives’ focus on economic growth.

Conservatives have accused the Liberals of fueling Trump-related fears to win votes, while tensions with the U.S. have pushed some supporters of smaller parties toward the Liberals. A majority requires 172 seats, but much of Conservative support lies in rural areas with fewer ridings.

Carney covered over 20 cities in his final week, while Poilievre drew larger crowds, particularly among young voters. Standing at the Ambassador Bridge linking Windsor and Detroit, Carney criticized Trump’s trade policies, portraying the bridge as a symbol of lost cooperation.

At rallies, Carney's supporters waved signs reading "Jamais Le 51" ("Never 51") and "Un Canada Fort" ("A Strong Canada"), while mentions of Trump drew loud boos. As voting closed in, Poilievre urged Canadians to "bring home change" and focus on making life affordable and streets safe.