U.S. Issues Heavy on Canadians’ Minds in Election
Today, Canadians are heading to the polls to decide the next government leader: either the Liberal Party led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, a former banker, or the Conservative Party headed by Pierre Poilievre, a seasoned politician from the party’s right. Here’s what you need to know.
One major topic is dominating voters’ thoughts: President Trump. His tariff disputes with Canada and calls for the country to become the 51st state have overshadowed the election.
For insights into the situation, I spoke with Matina Stevis-Gridneff, our bureau chief in Canada.
What key issues are influencing the elections?
Matina: Canadians are concerned about the economy and President Trump. These issues are closely related; Canada is experiencing economic challenges due to tariffs. Some voters are eager to criticize the Liberal Party, which has governed for the last ten years, holding it responsible for the current economic situation.
Voters likely to support the Conservative Party are seeking change, preferring smaller government, tax reductions, and less regulation. Conversely, other voters—potentially the majority—are mainly focused on how Canada responds to the U.S. This concern goes beyond economics, touching on political and even existential fears, especially considering Trump’s threats regarding annexation.
Those aligned with this perspective might lean towards the Liberal Party. Mark Carney, with his extensive background in international economics and his private-sector expertise, has gained many Canadians’ trust as they navigate this crisis.
What will you be monitoring on Election Day, and what has been noteworthy thus far?
I’m interested in whether the Liberals will win, as polls suggest they will, and whether they can achieve a majority government. If they do, it will indicate that Trump is significantly influencing the politics of America’s allies, all of whom are grappling with the shifts in the White House.
The dramatic turnaround for the Liberal Party, which seemed destined for a severe loss early this year, has been astonishing. Additionally, Carney’s swift rise from elite economist to prime minister, despite lacking prior political experience, has been quite surprising.
Results: Most polls will close at 9:30 p.m. Eastern time, and results should be available later that night.
This Week’s Decision on Ukraine Talks, Says Rubio
Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked yesterday that the Trump administration would make a decision this week about whether to continue seeking a negotiated resolution for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or shift focus elsewhere.
“We’re close, but not close enough,” he stated during a TV interview. It remains unclear whether this statement was a negotiating ploy or an indication that Trump and his team are genuinely considering abandoning negotiations.
A glimmer of hope: On Saturday, Trump had a 15-minute private discussion with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome. Trump questioned why Russia continued its attacks on Ukraine while the U.S. was attempting to negotiate peace. Zelensky mentioned they discussed a “reliable and lasting peace that will prevent another war.”
Related: Moscow claimed to have retaken the last Ukrainian-held village in the Kursk region, while Ukraine denied being expelled.
Further Details on Trump
World Leaders Attend Pope’s Funeral
Pope Francis was buried on Saturday in Rome, during a funeral that attracted global leaders and countless mourners. As described by Jason Horowitz, our bureau chief in Rome, the procession was “solemn and majestic.”
Even before the pope was laid to rest, conservative cardinals who believed Francis had jeopardized the church’s traditions were already lobbying for influence among those selecting the next pope.
Evan Lee, popularly known as EvanTube, became an influencer at a very young age and helped change his family’s life situation. Now at 19, he reflected on how that early exposure impacted him and what it’s like to grow up in a world of child influencers.
Lives Lived: Virginia Giuffre, a survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking ring, tragically passed away at 41 following a car accident.
CONVERSATION STARTERS
Isabel Allende’s Upcoming Novel
At 82, Isabel Allende is ranked among the top-selling authors in the Spanish language, known for her narratives about resilient women. Her personal journey, escaping Chile’s military coup at 31, echoes these themes.
Allende’s new book, “My Name Is Emilia del Valle,” set against the backdrop of the 1891 Chilean civil war, will be released next month. She shared her experiences of fleeing Chile, her enduring connection to her past, and the societal shifts instigated by fear in an interview with The Times.
