OTTAWA — As Canada approaches its 45th general election, the political landscape is heating up with the release of costed campaign platforms by the federal Liberals and the New Democratic Party (NDP). On April 19, 2025, both parties unveiled their plans, just over a week before the election day scheduled for April 28, 2025. This coincided with the second day of advance voting, as Liberal Leader Mark Carney and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh detailed their respective commitments and the financial implications of their proposals.
While Carney presented the Liberal platform in Whitby, Ontario, Singh launched the NDP's platform in his home riding of Burnaby, British Columbia. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, campaigning in Richmond, B.C., indicated that his platform would be announced soon, claiming that “95 per cent” of it has already been revealed.
The Liberal platform includes a staggering $35.2 billion in new spending over the next year, totaling $129 billion over the next four years. This ambitious plan focuses heavily on infrastructure, aiming to stimulate private-sector investment amidst the ongoing global economic challenges exacerbated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs. “Governments must lead and catalyze private sector investments,” Carney emphasized during his announcement, asserting that the core of his platform is about investing in Canada to build a stronger economy.
In contrast, the NDP's platform forecasts a net increase to the federal deficit of $48 billion over the next four years. Singh’s plan outlines a comprehensive approach to improve healthcare, tackle affordability issues, and boost infrastructure while promoting tax fairness and supporting a green economy. The NDP seeks to ensure every Canadian has access to a family doctor by 2030, which would cost an estimated $10 billion if all provinces opt into a proposed one-per-cent boost to Canada Health Transfers.
Singh also unveiled a wealth tax aimed at individuals with holdings over $10 million, which he claims would generate more than $22 billion annually. “No nurse, no teacher, no tradesperson should pay more than a billionaire flipping stocks,” Singh declared, highlighting the party's commitment to addressing income inequality.
The NDP’s platform details a total proposed spending of $227.7 billion over four years, offset by new revenue tools expected to generate $184.5 billion. This results in a net new spending projection of $43.2 billion. Singh emphasized the need for decisive action, stating, “We won’t let Trump’s trade war become your burden to carry.”
Among the key proposals in the NDP platform is the introduction of emergency price caps on basic food items and the permanent removal of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) from essentials, which would cost about $4.5 billion annually. They also plan to raise the basic personal income tax threshold to $19,500, allowing workers to earn more before being taxed.
In terms of housing, the NDP aims to replace the expiring Housing Accelerator Fund with a permanent $16 billion national housing strategy that includes a target of 20 per cent non-market housing. Singh has committed to building three million homes by 2030, which will involve training over 100,000 skilled workers to expedite the construction process.
On environmental issues, the NDP plans to implement a national retrofit program providing free energy efficiency upgrades to 2.3 million low-income households and set a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035. Singh also aims to eliminate fossil fuel subsidies by the end of 2026 and extend federal rebates for new electric vehicles.
In his campaign, Poilievre has criticized the Liberal platform as excessively expensive, calling it “shocking.” He argued that if the Liberals secure a fourth term, life for Canadians will become even more costly. In response to rising drug addiction issues, Poilievre announced a new plan allowing judges to mandate drug treatment for certain prisoners seeking parole, framing it as a compassionate approach to justice. “This policy is not about punishment; it’s about redemption,” he stated.
As the campaign progresses, the NDP's focus remains on countering the potential impacts of U.S. policies on Canada. Singh's platform is divided into eight thematic areas, including healthcare, affordability, infrastructure, and reconciliation, aiming to create a more equitable society.
With the election drawing near, the stakes are high. Advance polls are open until Monday, April 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, allowing Canadians to participate in shaping their government. As the parties continue to ramp up their campaigns, all eyes will be on how voters respond to these bold proposals and the implications they hold for the future of Canada.
