Mon Apr 28 19:09:51 UTC 2025: ## Canada Votes: Tight Race as Trump Factor Dominates Election Day

**OTTAWA** – Canadians are heading to the polls today in a closely contested federal election that has been unexpectedly shaped by the re-election of US President Donald Trump. The race between incumbent Prime Minister Mark Carney of the Liberal Party and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is too close to call, with the outcome potentially hinging on voters’ anxieties about Trump’s increasingly aggressive stance towards Canada.

Early results are expected after 7:30 pm EST, with a clearer picture emerging after 9:30 pm EST as polls close across most provinces. While Poilievre, a career politician campaigning with a Trump-esque style, initially held a strong lead focusing on domestic issues like rising living costs, Trump’s second term and threats to Canada’s sovereignty and economy have dramatically shifted the landscape.

Poilievre’s perceived similarities to Trump have proven to be a liability, while Carney, a former central bank governor with no prior elected experience, has emerged as the preferred candidate to handle the escalating US-Canada tensions. Recent polls show the Liberals with a narrow lead, at 42.8% national support compared to the Conservatives’ 38.8%.

A Liberal victory would represent a remarkable comeback for the party, which only saw Carney replace Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister last month. The election is being viewed as a referendum not only on Canada’s future domestic policy, but also on its ability to navigate the increasingly volatile relationship with its powerful southern neighbour. Stay tuned for live updates.

Read More