Everything you need to know about the upcoming Canadian election: Date, candidates, how the voting process works

the rk Carney has announced that Canada will hold federal elections on April 28, giving political parties just over a month to prepare for a high-stakes race.

Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau as leader of the Liberal Party, steps into the role at a pivotal moment. With a trade war brewing between Canada and the U.S. under President Donald Trump, voters will decide who they trust to navigate potential economic turbulence.

How voting in national elections works in Canada

Unlike in the U.S., where voters elect candidates directly, Canadians vote for a political party. The party that wins the most seats—or forms a coalition with smaller parties—will govern. Parties can run multiple candidates in each district, but if none win, they won’t be represented in Parliament. This system allowed Canada’s Green Party to secure two seats in the House of Commons, while the far-right party, the People’s Party of Canada, despite receiving nearly three times as many votes in the 2021 election, failed to gain any representation.

The Parties in Play

Mark Carney heads the Liberal ticket, while Pierre Poilievre represents the Conservative Party. Poilievre has said that he is launching a Canada First campaign, mirroring some of the language used by the Trump campaign in 2024.

Beyond the two main parties, smaller factions will be vying for influence. In Canada’s 2021 elections, the Liberals (33.12%) and Conservatives (34.34%) were nearly tied in the popular vote, with neither securing a majority.

Once struggling in the polls, the Liberals have seen renewed support as Trump’s economic policies and nationalist rhetoric fuel concerns over Canadian sovereignty. Meanwhile, Canada’s far-right party, which advocates for strict immigration policies, abortion restrictions, and the re-legalization of conversion therapy, remains a fringe player with no parliamentary representation.

To the Liberals' left, the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, will focus on labor rights, healthcare improvements, and affordability issues. The party secured nearly 18% of the vote in 2021.

Another key player is the Bloc Québécois, which won 33 seats in the last election. Rooted in Quebec nationalism, the party’s fortunes may shift depending on how the current political climate influences Canadian identity. Yves-François Blanchet will lead their campaign.

With tensions high and a short campaign period, Canada’s upcoming election could reshape the country’s political landscape.

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