There is a tangible sense of excitement on the ground in Canada as the 36-day Canadian election campaign draws to a close. Liberal leader Mark Carney’s harsh warning that Canada faces an existential threat from its powerful southern neighbour on Friday elicited a mixed response from the crowd in London, Ontario.
Over a stream of jeers, Carney yelled, “President Trump is trying to break us so that America could own us.” His followers retaliated with screams of “Never!” while waving Canadian flags with joy, many of them attached to ice hockey sticks, a potent sign of patriotism.
Carney’s Liberals have turned the threat posed by Trump’s aggressive trade policies and political pressure into a focal point. However, they are not alone in fostering a sense of patriotism. The same passionate pride was evident when Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre attracted fervent crowds to a union hall in the Toronto region earlier this week. His campaign slogan, “Bring it Home,” has evolved into a rallying cry for Canadians who are desperate for change.
Both leaders use patriotic spirit, but they couldn’t be more different in how they handle Trump and other concerns. Carney frames the Canadian election as a fight to defend Canada’s independence and ideals, casting Trump as an impending external threat. However, Poilievre only briefly brings up Trump, directing his energy on internal problems, or what he refers to as the “Lost Liberal decade.”
Poilievre hits home grievances about the fentanyl epidemic, growing violence, economic stagnation, and the cost of housing at his rallies. Voters like Eric and Carri Gionet from Barrie, Ontario, have responded strongly to these messages. The Gionets, who are attending their first-ever political event, represent a rising group of Canadians who are worried about the future.
Eric Gionet remarked, “We’re pretty financially secure — but I worry about them,” referring to his two twentysomething children. Even though Eric and Carri were able to purchase their first house when they were still relatively young, they worry that their kids will never be able to afford it. Simply put, Carri Gionet continued, “I’m thrilled to be here. I have hope.
In the last hours before Canadians cast their ballots on Monday, Canadian Election emotions such as pride, fear, and hope are all circulating. The campaign is still close, according to national polls, with the Liberals holding onto a slim advantage. Trump has a significant impact on voters, but he is by no means the only one.
Poilievre was virtually guaranteed to be Canada’s next prime minister just a year ago. For months, the Conservatives maintained a decisive 20-point advantage over the Liberals. However, Canadian politics, like those around the world, are subject to sudden changes.
Shock after shock greeted the opening months of 2025: Donald Trump’s turbulent return to the White House, Mark Carney’s quick rise to the Liberal leadership and prime ministership, and Canadian Election Justin Trudeau’s abrupt resignation. Each event caused political agendas to shift and voters’ confidence to be shaken.
The Liberals had closed the gap by the time Carney called the election in March. National polls as April approached indicated a slight Liberal edge, primarily due to swing voters who were alarmed by Trump’s increasing aggression and the Liberals’ more robust than anticipated economic message.
However, neither leader has an easy road ahead of them. Carney needs to persuade Canadians that he has a plan for the future and is more than just a crisis manager. Poilievre must control his annoyance and exhaustion without coming out as careless or overly preoccupied.
One of the most important Canadian elections in recent Canadian history is expected to take place on Monday. Selecting between Liberals and Conservatives is not the only option. It’s about determining how Canada and the United States will interact during the Trump administration and whether or not people think the next leader can protect the nation from both internal and international threats.
One thing is evident in a campaign driven by economic worry, national fervour, and the resurgence of long-standing political fault lines: Canadians are involved Canadian Election, fervent, and prepared to share their opinions.
Voters are aware that the stakes are high and are responding to the call, whether they are yelling “Never!” at a Liberal rally or “Bring it Home!” at a Conservative one.
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