In a significant electoral outcome, the Liberal Party of Canada, led by Mark Carney, has successfully secured a projected fourth consecutive term, winning nine of Nova Scotia's eleven seats in the recent federal election. This victory comes despite the party trailing in the polls just months prior to the election, as reported by CBC News.
As of April 29, 2025, the Liberals have won 156 out of 343 ridings, while the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has captured 144 ridings. The question remains whether the Liberals will form a minority or majority government, as a party needs 172 seats to achieve the latter.
Among the projected winners is Liberal incumbent Darren Fisher, who retained his seat in Dartmouth-Cole Harbour. Fisher, who was first elected in 2015, expressed his gratitude to supporters at Colleen's Pub in Dartmouth, where about 50 people gathered to celebrate. "It never stops being overwhelming," he said, reflecting on the community's support and his commitment to serving the people of his riding.
Conservative incumbent Chris d'Entremont also celebrated a projected win in Acadie-Annapolis. Speaking at a seafood restaurant in Digby, he acknowledged the pressing issues of cost of living and the fishery, highlighting concerns about organized crime in the lobster industry and the rights of Mi'kmaw fishers to catch lobster outside the commercial season. "I think we still have a lot of work to do to reel in illegal and unreported fisheries that continue to go on on our shores," d'Entremont stated.
In Halifax, Liberal newcomer Shannon Miedema is projected to win the seat previously held by Andy Fillmore, who vacated it to run for mayor. Miedema noted that voters expressed anxiety over Canada's relationship with the U.S., indicating a strong confidence in Carney's ability to handle negotiations with President Donald Trump. "People have been watching the Liberal Party's response to the threats and the tariffs and the negotiations with Trump and have been liking that strong response," Miedema remarked.
Another first-time candidate, Liberal Jessica Fancy-Landry, is projected to win in South Shore-St. Margarets, unseating Conservative incumbent Rick Perkins. Fancy-Landry, who has a background in education, emphasized her commitment to rebuilding trust between her party and the fishing community, particularly after the Liberals lost this seat in 2021 due to perceptions of neglect regarding illegal fishing concerns. "The thing that we were hearing the most on the phone and on the doors were people wanting positivity and someone to help unite a very divisive riding," she said.
Meanwhile, Liberal Sean Fraser, who had initially announced he would not seek re-election, surged ahead in his riding after being persuaded by Carney to return to the race. Fraser's victory is projected to mark his fourth consecutive term. Similarly, Liberal incumbent Lena Metlege Diab is projected to win in Halifax West, while former MLA Braedon Clark is set to win in Sackville-Bedford-Preston.
In rural Nova Scotia, Liberal Kody Blois is projected to retain his seat in Kings-Hants, and Mike Kelloway is expected to win in Sydney-Glace Bay. Notably, Jaime Battiste, the first Mi'kmaw MP in Canada, is projected to win in Cape Breton-Canso-Antigonish.
As the election results unfolded, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre congratulated Carney and acknowledged his party's significant gains, noting they secured the highest share of the vote since former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's era. He stated, "To my fellow Conservatives, we have much to celebrate tonight," highlighting the party's resilience in a challenging political landscape.
However, the night also marked a turning point for the NDP, as leader Jagmeet Singh announced his resignation after conceding his own riding of Burnaby Central. Singh's departure comes amid a collapse in party support, and he expressed gratitude to his family and supporters during his emotional farewell. "I couldn't have done it without you," he stated.
Singh's resignation raises questions about the future of the NDP, which has struggled to maintain its footing in the evolving political landscape. The party's challenges were further compounded by the Greens' co-leader, Elizabeth May, who plans to advocate for changes to the unofficial rules governing official party status in Parliament.
As the dust settles on the election, the market is reacting to the prospect of a Liberal minority government. The Canadian Dollar (CAD) has seen fluctuations, with USD/CAD nearing 1.3850 as investors assess the implications of the electoral outcome.
In summary, the recent federal election results reflect a dynamic political landscape in Canada, with the Liberal Party poised to continue its governance amid significant challenges and changing voter sentiments. The coming weeks will be crucial as the new government takes shape and addresses key issues such as the economy, healthcare, and international relations.
