As the final week of Canada’s federal election wraps, voters across the country are deciding which leader and party has the best plan to address housing, affordability, economic growth, and Donald Trump.
The campaign took a dramatic turn with reports that President Trump floated the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state during a March call with PM Carney – an important revelation that the Liberals failed to disclose until now.
Amid the noise, both the Liberals and Conservatives released costed platforms, each offering sharply different fiscal visions:
Conservatives: $106B in new spending and promising to pay for their agenda through program cuts, eliminating consulting contracts and future economic growth – through policies not yet in place – that will save taxpayers $78B over 4 years.
Liberals: Promised new spending of $130B and opting to fund their expanded housing, pharmacare, and green initiatives without major program cuts. This would add $225B in new federal debt.
NDP: Remained steadfast in their progressive platform and focused on emphasizing bold investments in health care, wealth redistribution, and transit.
Meanwhile, Alberta flew under the radar with key issues like energy receiving little national attention, resulting in growing Western alienation, with voices like Preston Manning warning of secession in the event of a Liberal win.
One thing is clear: Canadians are engaged. A record 7.3 million people voted at advance polls – a 25% jump from 2021.
With polls tightening, the Liberals are still favoured to win the most seats – thanks to strong numbers in Ontario, Quebec, B.C., and Atlantic Canada.
On Monday, Canadians will choose their future.