OTTAWA — As Canada gears up for its 45th federal election on April 28, 2025, early voting has already set a record, with nearly two million Canadians casting their ballots on the first day of advance polls. This marks a significant increase in voter engagement, and Elections Canada is making necessary adjustments to accommodate the high turnout, which saw long lineups at polling stations.
The four days of advanced voting began on April 18 and will run through April 21, ending just a week before the general election. This year's advance voting coincides with the April long weekend, which has historically encouraged higher participation. In the last federal election of 2021, approximately 5.8 million voters participated in advance polls, a figure that represented an increase of over 18 percent from 2019.
With the election date fast approaching, the political landscape is heating up. Liberal Leader Mark Carney and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh released their campaign commitments on April 19, outlining their plans and associated costs. Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who has been actively campaigning in various regions, stated that his full platform would be revealed soon, although he claimed that “95 percent” of it has already been announced.
Carney's campaign is particularly crucial as he seeks to maintain leadership amid rising tensions with the United States. His main competitor, Poilievre, has seen his political capital wane as trade relations between Canada and the U.S. have soured, especially following U.S. President Donald Trump’s imposition of steep tariffs on Canadian goods, including steel, aluminum, and automotive products. These tariffs have raised concerns about their detrimental effects on Canadian employment and the economy.
During a recent press conference, Carney warned of “tough days ahead” for Canadian workers due to these economic pressures, stating, “These tariffs are fundamentally damaging to the American economy and by extension to the global economy.” The Ontario Home Builders’ Association has also raised alarms, indicating that these tariffs could drive up construction costs and exacerbate Canada’s ongoing housing crisis.
As the election nears, both Carney and Poilievre are focusing on the Ring of Fire, a mineral-rich region in Northern Ontario that has gained prominence due to its potential economic benefits amid the trade war. The Ford government has described the Ring of Fire as “the front line in Canada’s battle against President Trump’s economic threats,” pledging to expedite mining projects in the area.
Mining analyst Stan Sudol noted the increased awareness of the Ring of Fire, stating, “It’s amazing that before Trump took power, nobody down here in southern Ontario knew what the Ring of Fire really was.” The region, which spans over 5,000 square kilometers, is rich in critical minerals essential for various industries.
Both Carney and Poilievre have committed to streamlining the approvals process for mining projects in the Ring of Fire, with Carney promising to eliminate duplicative federal requirements and Poilievre vowing to approve mining permits in just six months. Poilievre has also pledged $1 billion over three years to improve road access to the deposits, a move welcomed by mining companies eager to capitalize on the region's resources.
However, the rapid push for development has raised concerns among Indigenous leaders and environmentalists. Anishinabek Nation Grand Chief Linda Debassige criticized the proposals as reminiscent of colonial practices, stating, “Recent statements regarding the Ring of Fire and other significant projects in our territories are akin to the colonial days of old.”
Sol Mamakwa, the MPP for Kiiwetinoong, emphasized the necessity of including First Nations in discussions about development, asserting, “It needs to be done in a way where we are at the table, not on the menu.” He expressed skepticism about the feasibility of completing the required consultation process within the proposed timelines.
Despite the challenges, some Indigenous leaders, like Marten Falls Chief Bruce Achneepineskum, see the potential benefits of development in the Ring of Fire. He noted that improved access to infrastructure could enhance living conditions in his community, which currently lacks basic amenities such as a high school and adequate healthcare facilities.
As the election date approaches, voters are increasingly concerned about the candidates’ plans to address the economic challenges posed by the U.S. tariffs and the broader implications of the trade war. Economists warn that Canadians may lean towards the candidate they believe can best navigate the tumultuous economic landscape.
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, is also a key player in the election, having withdrawn support from the Liberal government in 2024 due to perceived failures to address the needs of working-class Canadians. Singh has positioned himself as a champion for social justice and economic equity, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing the voices of everyday Canadians.
As the political landscape evolves, the stakes are high for all candidates. With record voter turnout in the advance polls and pressing economic issues at the forefront, the upcoming election promises to be a pivotal moment for Canada’s future.
The advance polls will remain open until April 21, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, providing voters with multiple opportunities to make their voices heard before the general election on April 28.
