Ottawa (Rajeev Sharma)– With just hours left before Canadians cast their votes in the crucial federal election, the Liberal Party under Prime Minister Mark Carney holds a narrow lead over the Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre, according to final opinion polls.
A Nanos survey released Saturday showed the Liberals at 43% and the Conservatives at 38.9%, indicating a tightening race that could come down to key battlegrounds across British Columbia and Ontario. The New Democratic Party (NDP) led by Jagmeet Singh trails with 12.6% support, while the Bloc Québécois and the Green Party are expected to maintain smaller shares.
The campaign’s closing days have been overshadowed by a tragic incident in Vancouver, where a vehicle plowed into a crowd during a Filipino community event, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens. Both Carney and Poilievre cancelled campaign events in Vancouver and Calgary out of respect for the victims.
Addressing the nation, Carney said the tragedy was a stark reminder of the importance of community and compassion, calling for unity as Canadians head to the polls.
Meanwhile, tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump have remained a dominant theme throughout the campaign. Trump’s provocative remarks about Canadian sovereignty and ongoing tariff threats have pushed foreign policy to the forefront. Carney has pledged to defend Canada’s interests strongly, portraying himself as the steady hand needed during turbulent times.
At a rally in Toronto, Carney reiterated, “This election is about Canada’s future — standing up for our values, protecting our economy, and ensuring no one from outside can intimidate us.”
Poilievre, campaigning in Alberta, focused his message on affordability and economic management, criticizing the Liberals’ record on inflation and government spending. However, analysts say Trump’s aggressive rhetoric may have unintentionally boosted Carney by stoking a sense of national unity and caution among voters.
Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, campaigning alongside Carney in Quebec, warned voters that Canada faces a critical choice between “moving forward confidently or slipping into uncertainty.” Chrétien’s endorsement is seen as an important morale boost for the Liberal campaign.
Advance voting turnout has hit record levels, with over 7.3 million Canadians already casting their ballots ahead of Election Day, according to Elections Canada.
The final outcome remains uncertain, with many experts predicting a minority government scenario. The election result will determine whether Carney secures a renewed mandate to navigate Canada through global instability or whether Poilievre can ride a populist wave to unseat the Liberals.
Polls open across the country on Monday, April 28, and preliminary results are expected later that evening.
