Liberals and Conservatives neck-and-neck as Carney seeks mandate without holding a Commons seat
Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit Rideau Hall on Sunday to ask Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve the 44th Parliament, triggering a snap federal election.
According to sources cited by CTV News, the vote could be held as early as April 28, though a final decision between that date and May 5 will be made shortly, BNN Bloomberg reported.
Carney, who was sworn in as prime minister on March 14 after winning the Liberal leadership just days earlier, has not yet confirmed the election date.
Speaking to reporters in Edmonton on Thursday, he said: “The first person who will know whether the recommendation to call an election, it will be the governor general, as for convention.”
He also stated, “The government needs a strong and clear mandate.”
He said they were offering a positive vision focused on action, pointing to steps already taken despite being in office for less than a week.
He added that with a strong mandate, they could do even more to move forward for the country and all Canadians.
The 44th Parliament had been scheduled to resume on Monday after a two-month prorogation following former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement.
By calling an election before then, Carney will avoid having to deliver a throne speech or face confidence votes.
Carney also does not currently hold a seat in the House of Commons.
The snap election comes months ahead of the fixed election date. As Parliament was prorogued before certain rule changes could be passed, some proposed reforms will not be in effect.
However, one major change will apply: the number of ridings has increased from 338 to 343 following federal electoral district redistribution.
Carney has not yet confirmed which riding he will contest. Speculation points to possible bids in Alberta, downtown Toronto, or the National Capital Region.
Tight race in early polls
According to the latest Nanos Research survey released Tuesday, the Conservative Party leads with 35 percent of federal voting intention, followed closely by the Liberals at 34 percent.
The survey also found that US President Donald Trump and Canada–US relations were the top national concerns at 26.8 percent, followed by jobs and the economy at 16.7 percent.
Pollsters have indicated that what had recently appeared to be the Conservatives’ race to lose now looks more uncertain. Increased voter engagement could lead to more volatility in the coming weeks.
Pollara Chief Strategist Dan Arnold said, “It’s an election that’s going to be worth watching,” noting that both parties have rookie leaders in their first national campaigns.
He said this introduces potential for volatility, particularly with the “wild card south of the border,” which he expects will be drawn into the campaign somehow.
Arnold added that Poilievre had long benefitted from being “not Justin Trudeau,” but now there is “another ‘not Justin Trudeau’ on the ballot as well.”
He said voters are beginning to take a closer look at Poilievre, and both leaders now have a chance to shape public opinion—for better or worse—which could shift the numbers in either direction.
Opposition parties respond
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh both indicated readiness to campaign.
Poilievre stated, “I want to bring it home, and that’s why we need to put Canada first. It’s time to bring home our jobs, energy, and economic sovereignty.”
He has been making daily policy announcements in the lead-up to the anticipated campaign.
Singh contrasted the Liberals and Conservatives with the NDP, saying voters must choose between Carney and Poilievre “who have already shown you they’re in it for the billionaires,” or the New Democrats, “who are going to continue to fight for you and your family.”
