Carney leads Canadian polls as Prime Minister Mark Carney enters the final week of the 2025 federal campaign holding a strong lead. With a projected 43.7% of the vote, Carney and his Liberal Party are ahead of the opposition Conservatives, who currently sit at 36.3%.
Carney Calls for Strong Mandate to Address U.S. Tariffs
During a campaign event in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Carney emphasized the importance of securing a strong mandate to address ongoing economic challenges, particularly from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff policies.
“The tariffs and the threat of annexation from Trump are a huge risk for Canada,” Carney said. “We need to reduce our reliance on the United States and restructure our economy to protect Canadian interests.” His message resonated with voters, particularly in light of the rising trade tensions with the U.S.
Polls Show Liberal Lead
According to the latest Nanos poll, the Liberals are ahead by 7.4 percentage points, signaling a shift from earlier in the year when the Conservatives had a commanding lead. The poll, which surveyed 1,289 people between April 17 and 20, suggests the Liberals are on track for a majority in the House of Commons if the current trend holds.
The New Democratic Party (NDP), traditionally a competitor for the center-left vote, trails with 10.7% support, further solidifying Carney’s position at the top of the race.
High Voter Turnout Expected
With the election just days away, advance voting has seen a record turnout, with 2 million Canadians casting their ballots on the first day of early voting. The increased participation could indicate higher overall voter turnout compared to the 62.3% seen in the 2021 federal election.
Ipsos Public Affairs CEO Darrell Bricker suggested that the early surge in votes could be a sign of higher overall turnout, but it’s still too early to predict whether this trend will continue.
Carney’s Platform and Economic Plan
Mark Carney, a former central banker with no prior political experience, has positioned himself as a leader with the skills needed to navigate Canada’s current challenges. His platform promises significant spending, with an additional C$130 billion allocated for the next four years. This spending plan is expected to result in a higher deficit for 2025/26, forecasted at C$62.3 billion, up from C$42.2 billion in December 2024.
With a growing sense of urgency, Carney’s call for a “clear mandate” aims to solidify his position as a leader capable of guiding Canada through a rapidly changing global landscape.
Source: Reuters
