U.S. Influence on Canada’s Elections
Today, Canadians are casting their votes in parliamentary elections to choose their next government leader: the Liberal Party under Mark Carney, a former banker, or the Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre, a seasoned politician from the party’s right wing.
A key concern for voters is President Trump, whose tariff policies on Canada and ongoing suggestions for incorporating Canada as the 51st state are dominating this election.
To grasp the stakes, we consulted Matina Stevis-Gridneff, our Canada bureau chief.
What are the main election issues?
Canadians are focused on the economy and President Trump. These issues are closely linked: tariffs are negatively impacting Canada’s economy, and some voters feel the Liberal Party, in power for the last decade, is to blame for the country’s economic struggles.
Those concerned may likely vote for the Conservative Party, which advocates for change, reduced government involvement, tax reductions, and deregulation. Conversely, other voters — potentially a majority according to polls — are mostly focused on how Canada can stand up to the U.S. This concern encompasses tariffs and extends to political and even existential threats, especially given Trump’s remarks about annexation.
Voters driven by these concerns may opt for the Liberal Party. Mark Carney, equipped with extensive international economic experience, is seen by many Canadians as a trustworthy leader during these tumultuous times.
What will you be monitoring on Election Day, and what has caught your attention so far?
I’ll be observing whether the Liberals secure a victory as polls suggest, and if they achieve a majority government. This result would signify that Trump heavily influences the politics of Canada’s allies, all impacted by the shifts in U.S. policy and attitude.
The Liberal Party’s surprising turnaround, from facing potential defeat earlier this year to its current position, has been remarkable. Carney’s swift rise from an elite economist to prime minister, without any prior political experience, has also been unexpected.
Results: The majority of polls will conclude at 9:30 PM Eastern time today, with results likely to emerge in the evening. Here’s what else to note.
This Week’s Decision on Ukraine Talks
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated yesterday that the Trump administration will decide this week whether to continue its efforts for a negotiated settlement regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine or shift focus elsewhere.
“We’re close, but we’re not there yet,” he commented during a TV interview. It remains uncertain if this is a negotiating strategy or if Trump and his team are genuinely close to abandoning the talks.
A Ray of Hope: On Saturday, Trump had a brief private conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Rome, lasting about 15 minutes. Trump later questioned why Russia continued its assault on Ukraine while the U.S. is trying to negotiate peace. Zelensky reported that they discussed achieving a “reliable and lasting peace to prevent future conflicts.”
Related:
Moscow asserted that it had regained control over the last village in the Kursk region of Russia previously held by Ukraine. Ukraine disputed this claim.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered a memorial for the soldiers who died fighting for Russia, confirming for the first time the nation’s military involvement in the war against Ukraine, according to state media.
Evan Lee, known as EvanTube, was just a child when he became an influencer, significantly changing his family’s destiny. Now 19, he reflected on what that experience meant and the realities of growing up in the child influencer culture.
Remembering Lives: Virginia Giuffre, a victim of Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking operations, passed away at the age of 41 following a car accident last month.
DISCUSSION TOPICS
CULTURE AND IDEAS
Upcoming Book by Isabel Allende
At 82, Isabel Allende stands as a prominent bestselling author in the Spanish-speaking world, celebrated for her stories featuring resilient women overcoming challenges. Her own journey, escaping Chile during a military coup at the age of 31, mirrors these themes.
Allende’s new novel, “My Name Is Emilia del Valle,” set during the 1891 Chilean civil war, is set to be released next month. She discussed with The Times her departure from Chile, her enduring nostalgia for her homeland, and how fear can shape society. Read our interview.
