Election 2025: Canada’s Leaders Pledge to Build a Resilient Economy
A month before Canadians vote in an election dominated by threats from US President Donald Trump, leading candidates have pledged to build an economy that can thrive without depending on its southern neighbour. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who replaced Justin Trudeau this month, appears to have revitalised his Liberal Party, which just months ago looked headed towards a crushing electoral defeat.
The US Threats
The US president has repeatedly spoken about annexing Canada while pushing an array of tariffs that could force the US’s northern neighbour and largest trading partner into recession. Campaigning outside Toronto on Monday, Carney said, "Trump is trying to fundamentally restructure the US economy, which will force Canada to ‘reimagine’ its own." "We need to build a new Canadian economy, a more resilient economy that can succeed in what will be a drastically different world," he added.
Conservative Response
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, has built momentum over the past year by attacking an increasingly unpopular Trudeau and by promising to address core issues like affordability, notably soaring housing costs. His campaign has maintained a focus on rising costs but with added emphasis on Trump. "It is time to turn Canada into an economic fortress that puts our country first for a change," he said on Monday in the eastern province of New Brunswick.
Cost of Living
Julie Grignon, an account manager in the town of Magog in Quebec province, said Carney – who has never held elected office – was an unknown. "We don’t know his personality," she told AFP on Sunday, but she said her top concern was how Canada’s economy can become more independent from the US. "If anyone knows economics, it’s Carney," the 55-year-old said.
Economic Experience
The prime minister has argued his experience has prepared him to lead Canada through economic turmoil. He is a former investment banker at Goldman Sachs, and later governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008-2009 financial crisis. He also led the Bank of England through the Brexit vote and its aftermath, but Poilievre maintains Carney is offering a continuation of Trudeau, whom the Conservatives accuse of poor economic management.
Conclusion
The election comes at a "truly exceptional time for Canada," according to Ottawa University politics professor Genevieve Tellier. The country is "looking for a saviour," she said. After Trump announced his planned auto tariffs last week, Carney declared that the era of deep economic, security and military ties between Canada and the US "is over." Tellier said Carney’s "firm tone" and explanation that "relations with the US would never be the same again" seem to be resonating with voters. Those remarks have "captured the current mood in Canada," she said.
FAQs
Q: What are the main issues in the Canadian election?
A: The main issues in the Canadian election are the US threats, economic stability, and the cost of living.
Q: Who is leading the Liberal Party?
A: Mark Carney is the leader of the Liberal Party.
Q: What is the Conservative Party’s stance on the US threats?
A: The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has built momentum by attacking Trudeau and promising to address core issues like affordability.
Q: What is Carney’s experience in economics?
A: Carney is a former investment banker at Goldman Sachs, and later governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008-2009 financial crisis. He also led the Bank of England through the Brexit vote and its aftermath.