On April 26, 2025, former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, at the age of 91, made a spirited appearance at Karina Gould's office in Burlington Centre, where he engaged with approximately 200 volunteers in a lively campaign event. While the atmosphere inside was warm and welcoming, outside, a noisy group with flags and a bullhorn created a stark contrast, leading some attendees to draw comparisons to the infamous Ottawa Convoy protests during the pandemic. Carol Victor, a volunteer, expressed her disbelief at the scene, stating, “This was reminiscent of the deplorable Ottawa Convoy mob during the pandemic. We could hardly believe that this was happening in Burlington, let alone Canada.”
Chrétien, displaying his characteristic wit and energy, did not let the raucous demonstration dampen his spirits. He has been actively campaigning for the Liberal Party across various provinces, including Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario, urging voters to re-elect the Liberals for a fourth mandate. At a rally in downtown Ottawa for incumbent MP Yasir Naqvi, he recounted how he became a Liberal, sharing a humorous anecdote from his youth involving former Quebec Premier Maurice Duplessis. “I’m still a Red, I’m still a Liberal, and I’m still winning the election,” he declared, rallying the soaked crowd that braved the rainy weather to hear him speak.
During his campaigning, Chrétien confidently predicted that the Liberals would secure a majority government in the upcoming election on April 28, stating, “Monday is going to be a Liberal sunshine day.” His optimism is bolstered by recent polling that suggests the Liberals, under the leadership of Mark Carney, have maintained a lead over the Conservatives, despite a fierce competition. Chrétien noted that just months ago, many observers anticipated a crushing defeat for the Liberals, but the political landscape has shifted dramatically.
“Now, I will use the flowers anyway on Monday to celebrate the majority government of the Liberal party,” he joked, highlighting his enduring confidence in the party's prospects. Chrétien's support for Carney, who received an impressive 86 percent of the vote at the recent leadership convention, reflects a broader sentiment within the party that they can reclaim their former glory. “He was the man of the occasion,” Chrétien remarked, emphasizing Carney's potential to resonate with voters.
As Chrétien made his rounds, he also touched upon the growing unity among Canadians in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent actions, including tariffs and provocative comments about Canada. “We have never been so united,” he remarked, humorously suggesting that Trump should be nominated for the Order of Canada for his role in fostering this unity, even quipping that such a nomination would likely fail due to Trump’s criminal record.
Meanwhile, Carney has been actively campaigning in battleground ridings across Ontario and British Columbia, emphasizing the need for a strong mandate to navigate the challenges posed by Trump's administration. He reiterated the importance of Canadian unity, stating, “If Canada unites, we will win this trade war, and we will build the strongest economy in the G7.” His campaign has focused on distancing Canada from its dependence on the U.S., a theme that resonates with voters concerned about national sovereignty.
In contrast, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has leveraged the party’s historical ties and the endorsement of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper to bolster his campaign. Poilievre's recent comments on social media labeled Blanchet’s assertion that Canada is “an artificial country with very little meaning” as “insulting and false.” He expressed his commitment to defending Canada's sovereignty, promising to make the country stronger than ever.
Chrétien's presence on the campaign trail has proven to be a significant asset for the Liberals, drawing crowds and invigorating party supporters. His legacy as a three-time majority government leader remains a powerful reminder of the party's past successes. “I will come back to support you when I will be 100,” he assured Naqvi, hinting at his continued involvement in the political landscape despite his advanced age.
As the election approaches, the dynamics among the parties are shifting. The NDP, led by Jagmeet Singh, faces challenges in retaining its foothold in key ridings, particularly in Southwestern Ontario, where they aim to defend two seats won in the previous election. Singh has been vocal about the need to protect the auto manufacturing sector, which has received significant federal investment in recent years. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that companies benefiting from public funding do not relocate operations to the U.S.
With the election just days away, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Candidates are making their final appeals to voters, hoping to sway undecided constituents. The stakes are high, and the outcome remains uncertain as the parties vie for control of Parliament. As Chrétien reminds supporters of the importance of unity in the face of external pressures, the narrative of this election continues to unfold, reflecting the complexities of Canadian politics and the enduring influence of its leaders.
As voters prepare to head to the polls, the question remains: who will emerge victorious in this closely contested election? The results will not only determine the fate of the Liberal Party but also shape the direction of Canada in the coming years. With Chrétien's predictions and Carney's leadership at the forefront, the political landscape is poised for a significant transformation.
