Liberal Leader Mark Carney (left) and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are seen together in this combined image. The Canadian Press
Canada's election race is in full swing, with recent polls showing the Liberal Party gaining an eight-point lead over the Conservatives. The latest survey reveals that the Liberals are now at 44%, while the Conservatives sit at 36%. The NDP trails far behind with just 11% support.
Campaigns in Full Gear
Liberal Leader Mark Carney hit the Greater Toronto Area, announcing plans to create a new federal housing agency. He promised to double the pace of residential construction over the next decade. During a stop in Vaughan, Ontario, Carney said, “We want Canada to be a world leader in innovative housing solutions.” His plan focuses on building affordable, pre-fabricated homes faster and cheaper.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre visited New Brunswick, where he unveiled plans to speed up infrastructure approvals. He promised to create a national energy corridor that would fast-track projects like pipelines, railways, and power lines. Poilievre argued that such a move would reduce Canada's dependence on foreign energy.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh campaigned in British Columbia. During a stop in Victoria, he promised to scrap the consumer carbon tax permanently. Singh also vowed to cut public subsidies for oil and gas companies and use those funds to retrofit over 3 million homes with energy-saving upgrades.
Controversy Over Liberal Candidate
The race grew heated when Liberal candidate Paul Chiang faced backlash for comments made earlier this year. During a Chinese-language news event, Chiang allegedly joked about claiming a bounty from China on Conservative candidate Joe Tay, who is an outspoken critic of Hong Kong’s crackdown on civil rights. Despite public outrage and calls for Chiang’s resignation, Carney defended him. He acknowledged the remarks were inappropriate but emphasized Chiang’s long record of service as a police officer.
Conservatives demanded Chiang’s removal, calling his comments “shocking.” Critics argued that keeping him on the ballot sends the wrong message, especially to Chinese-Canadian voters.
Alberta Premier Weighs In
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith added fuel to the political fire. During a gala in Florida, she claimed the Liberal Party's growing popularity was due to a "leadership switcheroo." She compared Carney replacing Justin Trudeau to the U.S. Democrats swapping out Joe Biden for Kamala Harris in their last election. Smith said the Liberals' new face gave them a sudden surge in support.
Polls Show Clear Divide
Recent Nanos polling shows the Liberals are gaining ground, particularly in Ontario. According to the survey, 53% of Canadians support Carney revealing the value of his financial assets placed in a blind trust. Meanwhile, 59% want Poilievre to obtain security clearance, which would allow him to receive briefings on foreign interference.
Poilievre Defends Campaign Strategy
Despite criticism, Poilievre is sticking to his game plan. Speaking in Saint John, he dismissed calls to shift focus toward Trump’s tariff threats. Instead, he doubled down on blaming the Liberals for rising housing costs, growing food bank lines, and the opioid crisis.
Capital Gains Tax Plan
Poilievre also pledged to introduce a capital gains tax deferral. This plan would allow investors to avoid paying taxes on profits if they reinvest them in Canada. To cover the $10.5 billion cost of the policy, he vowed to cut back on foreign aid and cap government spending.
Singh Pushes for Climate Action
Singh continued his push for climate reforms. He proposed using tariffs to protect Canadian workers from foreign polluters. His plan also promotes Canadian-made solutions like heat pumps and promises support for union jobs.
