**Election Day Approaches in Canada: A Shift in Focus Amid Trade Tensions with the US**
Toronto – The upcoming Canadian election on Monday has experienced a significant shift, with the trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and his provocative remarks about making Canada the 51st state altering the political landscape.
Initially, Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal Party appeared on track for a historic defeat. However, Trump’s imposition of heavy tariffs on Canada and his threats to its sovereignty have provoked a strong response among Canadians. This response, characterized by growing nationalism, has boosted the Liberal Party’s poll numbers.
The opposition Conservative Party had aimed to turn the election into a referendum on former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose popularity had plummeted due to rising food and housing prices and surging immigration. However, after years of peaceful bilateral relations, the focus of the election now seems to center on who is best suited to manage the tense relationship with the U.S.
**How Does the Election Work?**
In this election, voters across the nation will elect all 343 members of the House of Commons, one representative per constituency. Unlike the U.S., there are no primaries or runoffs; instead, there is a single round of voting similar to the system used in the United Kingdom.
Canada employs a “first-past-the-post” voting system, meaning the candidate who receives the most votes in each constituency will be elected, even if they do not receive 50% of the votes. This system has historically entrenched the dominance of the two largest parties, the Liberals and Conservatives, as it is difficult for smaller parties to win seats unless they have a concentrated support base in specific regions.
**How is the Prime Minister Chosen?**
The party that secures a majority in the House of Commons, either alone or with the support of another party, will form the next government, and its leader will become the prime minister.
Carney took over from Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January but remained in office until the Liberal Party elected Carney as its leader on March 9. Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister on March 14, hoping to maintain his position and avoid becoming one of the shortest-serving prime ministers in Canadian history.
**Who are the Candidates?**
Carney, 60, is one of the two main contenders. His impressive track record includes navigating financial crises while serving as the head of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, making him the first non-UK citizen to do so since its founding in 1694.
A highly educated economist, Carney worked for 13 years at Goldman Sachs in London, Tokyo, New York, and Toronto before being appointed deputy governor of the Bank of Canada in 2003. He brings a blend of financial industry and public service experience to the table.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservatives, is Carney’s main rival. Initially, Poilievre and his party seemed poised for a significant victory in the election. However, Trump’s near-daily trade and annexation threats have disrupted their momentum.
Poilievre, 45, is a seasoned politician and populist who promises to put “Canada first.” Known for his fiery rhetoric, he often criticizes mainstream media and threatens to defund Canada’s public broadcaster.
If the Liberals or Conservatives secure the most seats in the House of Commons but fail to win a majority, they would need to rely on either the New Democrats, a progressive party, or the separatist Quebec party Bloc Québécois to pass legislation.
