Canada Votes in Historic Election Amid Trump Tensions: Carney vs Poilievre

Canada's First Polls Open as Voters Begin Choosing Their Next Prime Minister

Canadians Head to the Polls to Elect New Government Amid U.S. Annexation Threats and Trade War Tensions

Canadians began casting their votes on Monday to elect a new government tasked with confronting annexation threats from the United States and addressing relations with President Donald Trump, whose trade war has dominated the election campaign.

The first polling stations opened in the Atlantic province of Newfoundland and Labrador, kicking off voting across the vast nation spanning six time zones.

(Source: AFP)

Liberal Party Leads in Final Polls, but Outcome Remains Uncertain

According to the CBC's poll aggregator on Sunday, the Liberals held 42.8 percent of national support, while the Conservatives trailed at 38.8 percent.

However, much like in U.S. elections, national polling figures may not accurately predict the final outcome.

(Source: AFP)

Canadians Set to Vote Monday Amid Growing Fears of a Turning Point in U.S. Relations

As Canadians prepare to head to the polls next Monday, many are voicing concerns that the country stands at a critical crossroads, facing an unprecedented crisis with its U.S. neighbor.

Canada is holding elections in April—six months ahead of the originally scheduled parliamentary vote in October—after Prime Minister Mark Carney cited overwhelming pressure from the United States that his minority government could no longer effectively resist.

President Donald Trump has intensified threats to make Canada the 51st state of the U.S., already imposing severe tariffs on Canadian goods. In response, Carney announced the snap elections, appealing to voters for a strong mandate to confront Trump's escalating challenges.

Canada’s 28 Million Voters Set to Elect 343 MPs in This Year’s Election

With over 28 million registered voters, Canada will elect 343 members of parliament (MPs) to represent constituencies across the world’s second-largest country. These constituencies, known as ridings, have increased by five from the 338 in the 2021 election.

A person walks by election signs from various political parties in Montreal as Canada’s federal election approaches on April 28, 2025. (AFP)

Canada Staggered Voting Times Across Six Time Zones for Federal Election

Canada spans six time zones, so to ensure most Canadians vote within a 3-hour window across different regions, Elections Canada has staggered voting hours. The voting times for each time zone are as follows:

• Newfoundland Time: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm local time (7 am-7 pm ET, 11 am-11 pm GMT, 4:30 pm-4:30 am IST)

• Atlantic Time: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm local time (same as ET, 12:30 pm-12:30 am GMT, 6 pm-6 am IST)

• Eastern Time: 9:30 am to 9:30 pm local time (same as ET, 1:30 pm-1:30 am GMT, 7 pm-7 am IST)

• Central Time: 8:30 am to 8:30 pm local time (9:30 am-9:30 pm ET, 1:30 pm-1:30 am GMT, 7 pm-7 am IST)

• Mountain Time: 7:30 am to 7:30 pm local time (9:30 am-9:30 pm ET, 1:30 pm-1:30 am GMT, 7 pm-7 am IST)

• Pacific Time: 7 am to 7 pm local time (10 am-10 pm ET, 2 pm-2 am GMT, 7:30 pm-7:30 am IST)

Ballot counting will begin immediately after voting ends in each time zone. Early leads and results will be available approximately 30 minutes after the final vote is cast. These results will be continuously updated on the Elections Canada website.

By early evening in India (early morning in Canada) on April 29, the final result is expected to be known.

Canada's 2025 Parliamentary Elections Set to Cost $570 Million CAD

Like most elections, Canada’s parliamentary polls come with a significant price tag. According to estimates from Elections Canada, the 2025 parliamentary elections will cost the federal government approximately $570 million CAD, or roughly $411 million USD.

Canada Heads to the Polls on April 28 in a Tight Race Between the Liberals and Conservatives

Canada will vote on April 28 in a closely contested race between the Liberal Party, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, and the Conservative Party, headed by Pierre Poilievre.

Among Canada’s 10 provinces and 3 territories, the northernmost regions—Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut—are the country’s largest but also the most sparsely populated. As a result, each of these territories is allocated just one seat in the federal parliament.

While Mark Carney, the current Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, and Pierre Poilievre, the Leader of the Opposition and head of the Conservative Party of Canada, are the frontrunners for the next Canadian Prime Minister, several other key candidates are also vying for the top position.

These include Yves-Francois Blanchet, leader of the Bloc Quebecois, a sovereigntist party advocating for Quebec's right to self-government or full independence from Canada, and Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, which follows a left-wing legislative ideology. Jagmeet Singh has also been associated with pro-'Khalistan' sentiments, a separatist movement that has sparked significant tension with India.

Anita Anand, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Cabinet, is seeking re-election in the Oakville riding of Ontario. She is one of the few Members of Parliament to retain a ministerial position from the previous Justin Trudeau government. Originally, Anand, who had served as the Minister of Transport, announced her decision to step down from electoral politics but has since reversed that decision.

Kamal Khera, the Minister of Health in Prime Minister Carney's Cabinet, is running for re-election in the Brampton West constituency, which she has represented since 2015. Khera was one of the youngest women ever elected to Canada’s parliament. A registered nurse and community volunteer, she immigrated to Canada with her Indian parents as a young girl. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from York University in Toronto.

Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP since 2017, is running for re-election in his constituency of Burnaby South while also actively campaigning for NDP candidates across Canada. He was first elected to the Ontario legislative assembly in 2011, representing Bramalea-Gore-Malton, before transitioning to federal politics.

Jayesh Brahmbhatt, a real estate developer and candidate from the People's Party of Canada, is running in the upcoming election. Immigrating to Canada in 2001, Brahmbhatt stated, "We stand for freedom, responsibility, fairness, and respect for all, and that resonates with me. I talk to many people, and they want change from this election." According to TOI, he also mentioned, "Political parties in Canada are increasingly recognizing the Indian community as an important political force, with sub-groups like Gujaratis taking full advantage of this opportunity to be represented and heard."

Sunjiv Raval, a successful businessman and Liberal Party candidate, is contesting the parliamentary election from Calgary Midnapore. Actively engaged in community service and representing various Indian community groups, Raval stated, "We are advocating for the middle class, who have long been demanding better infrastructure, improved sports facilities, affordable housing, and greater employment opportunities for all."

Sukh Dhaliwal, who has served as the Member of Parliament for Surrey Newton since 2015, has been deeply involved in the local community and previously chaired the Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration. In addition to his political career, Dhaliwal is a professional engineer, land surveyor, and small business owner. He has been a strong advocate for his constituents, working diligently to address their concerns.

Parm Bains, the Liberal Party MP for Richmond East–Steveston, was elected in the 2021 federal election. His family immigrated to Canada from Punjab. Before entering politics, Bains worked as an instructor at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and as a media professional with the provincial government. He will be contesting for the same seat again this year.

Maninder Sidhu, the MP for Brampton East, was first elected in 2019 and re-elected in 2021. He has served on the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and the Standing Committee on Transport, Infrastructure, and Communities. Sidhu will once again contest for the same seat in the 2025 election.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and his wife, Anaida, leave a polling station after casting their votes in Ottawa, Ontario, on April 28, 2025. (AFP)

US President Donald Trump has stirred controversy during the Canadian election with his social media comments, drawing widespread attention. Trump has openly expressed his desire for Canada to become "the cherished 51st state" of the United States, claiming it would bring major benefits such as "ZERO TARIFFS" and "FREE ACCESS WITH NO BORDER."

Canadian Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre condemned Donald Trump’s interference in Monday’s election after the US president once again called for Canada to join the United States. (AFP)

Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet casts his ballot on federal election day in Chambly, Quebec, on April 28, 2025.

On Monday, Canada went to the polls to elect a new government amid growing threats of a trade war and annexation by President Donald Trump, who has pushed for the United States to absorb its northern neighbor. (AFP)

BURNABY CENTRAL, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Burnaby Central is a newly established constituency. The total number of seats in Canada’s parliament has increased from 338 in 2021 to 343 in 2025, a change driven by the country’s growing population. The outcome in this riding is significant for Jagmeet Singh's New Democratic Party, as it lies in British Columbia, a key stronghold for Sikh voters. The NDP faces a tough contest here against the Liberal Party of Canada, and the result will indicate whether they have the strength to challenge the ruling party.

Jagmeet Singh, who previously kept former Prime Minister Trudeau's minority government afloat in exchange for increased social spending, claims that it is because of him that Canadians in this region have benefited. Singh is running as the NDP candidate in the riding. However, recent polls show him in third place, with the majority of Canadians in the riding supporting the Liberals.

TROIS-RIVIERES, QUEBEC
Quebec, with its significant population and the second-highest number of ridings in Canada, is a crucial region for any party aiming for a strong parliamentary mandate. However, it presents a unique challenge for most parties, as it is the only province in Canada with its own political force—the Bloc Quebecois. The province has long sought independence from Canada, and voters typically support their own party.

Trois-Rivieres, however, stands out as one of the ridings in Quebec where multiple parties—sometimes as many as four—compete for the vote. The 2021 election result was extremely close, with the Bloc winning by just 83 votes out of the 58,110 cast.

AURORA-OAK RIDGES-RICHMOND HILL, ONTARIO
A key to victory lies in the so-called Golden Horseshoe, a riding-dense crescent along Lake Ontario that includes Toronto and surrounding cities. From 2018 to 2021, the Conservatives held this pivotal constituency. Major concerns in this critical riding include rising cost of living, a housing crisis, and immigration.

The Conservatives have been vocal in their criticism of the ruling Liberal government over these issues. Should they manage to reclaim this riding, it would provide them with a significant advantage.

CUMBERLAND-COLCHESTER, NOVA SCOTIA
Atlantic Canada, which holds 32 seats and is located in the first time zone where results begin to emerge, plays a key role as an early indicator of the overall election trend. This region includes four provinces and is known for its political volatility, making contests here particularly close.

In 2019, the Liberals secured a narrow victory in Cumberland-Colchester by just a few hundred votes, but lost the seat to the Conservatives in 2021.

EDMONTON SOUTHEAST, ALBERTA
Edmonton Southeast is part of Canada’s oil-producing region, where Liberal policies have often faced strong resistance. The Conservatives, who tend to prioritize the economy over climate issues, have a clear advantage here. Under Justin Trudeau, the Liberals never won more than a few seats in this crucial region, but with him stepping down, the party is aiming for a stronger performance.

In Edmonton Southeast, former Liberal Cabinet minister Amarjeet Sohi has received the party’s nomination.

BURLINGTON, ONTARIO

Located southwest of Toronto, the Burlington riding is a key Canadian bellwether, having elected a representative from the winning party in 12 consecutive elections since 1984.

In the 2021 election, the Liberals secured 45.7% of the vote, while the Conservatives garnered 37.3%.

Canadians cast their votes on Monday (local time) to elect their next Prime Minister amid escalating tensions with the United States, including trade disputes and renewed annexation threats from President Donald Trump—remarks that were swiftly condemned.

According to the latest projections from CTV, the Liberal Party has secured 108 seats and is leading in 54 more. Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party has won 102 seats and is ahead in 44 others. The Bloc Québécois, led by Yves-François Blanchet, has claimed 18 seats and leads in seven more, while Jagmeet Singh’s NDP has won one seat and is leading in eight.

According to CBC's latest projections, the Liberal Party has won 119 seats and is leading in 43 more. Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives have secured 111 seats and are ahead in 38 others. The Bloc Québécois, led by Yves-François Blanchet, has won 19 seats and leads in four, while Jagmeet Singh’s NDP has claimed three seats and is leading in five more.