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Week 3 Federal Election Coverage

It is fair to say that many political pundits, partisans, pollsters, and the like, would agree that week 3 of the federal election campaign saw the race become much more competitive and tighter. Canadians are in full election mode as we look towards next week’s televised debates.  

Conservative Leader Poilievre continues to attract the largest crowds, notably at his recent rally in Edmonton where former Prime Minister Stephen Harper made an appearance and gave his endorsement. At the same time, the Liberal Party has held onto its lead in the polls and in key battlegrounds, such as Ontario.   

Prime Minister Carney is ending week 3 in Ottawa to chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Canada-U.S. Relations and National Security, highlighting the ongoing threats from the U.S. Administration. 

This election campaign continues to be unprecedented in many respects, including but not limited to the geopolitical uncertainties, the need for our Prime Minister to take on a governing role despite the “caretaker” convention, as well as what can be seen as a massive comeback by the Liberal Party of Canada following Justin Trudeau’s resignation. What is also notable is the fact that Conservative support is currently sitting around 38 per cent (according to the most recent polling from Nanos) – which would typically indicate they are very likely to form the next government. However, with the deteriorating NDP and Bloc vote going to the Liberals, it is changing the electoral prospects of both the Liberals and Conservatives. That being said, there is still 18 days left of campaigning – and anything and everything could change.  
 

Below is a summary of notable events as of this morning, April 11, 2025, and the announcements and commitments from the Liberal Party of Canada, the Conservative Party of Canada, and the New Democratic Party of Canada.  

General / Notable Mentions 

  • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s riding of Carleton has 78+ candidates on the ballot 
  • Wednesday, April 9, 2025, President Trump announced a pause on reciprocal tariffs, except China, which is being targeted with a 125 per cent tariff from the U.S. 

Liberals  

Prime Minister Mark Carney continued to swap hats between campaigning and governing this week – which has proven to be a political advantage showcasing his ability to “do the job” in a time of uncertainty. Despite being ahead in the polls, Carney will continue to face questions about his assets, finances, and business practices that have the potential to impact his popularity and favourability. This is a topic that Pierre Poilievre and Jagmeet Singh will continue to raise, and will no doubt make this a key point of attack during next week’s debates. How Carney responds to these questions will be crucial. The Liberals’ announcements this week focused on supporting skilled trades, protecting retirees, protecting the environment, and protecting Canadians. 

 Announcements 

  • Plan to support skilled trades 
  • New apprenticeship grant 
  • Increase access to union-led training initiatives 
  • Capital funding stream for colleges to help new training spaces for apprenticeships 
  • Plan to protect retirees 
  • Reduce minimum withdrawal amount from registered retirement income by 25 per cent for one year 
  • Increase the guaranteed income supplement by 5 per cent for one year – estimated to provide up to $652 more to low-income seniors, tax free 
  • Environment and climate change plan 
  • 10 new national parks, with access to national parks and historic sites free during the summer months 
  • Enshrining First Nations’ right to water into law, and bolstering Indigenous stewardship 
  • Establish international standards for voluntary carbon markets. Voluntary carbon markets do not typically require companies to achieve a specific target 
  • Justice and safety plan 
  • Implement a “gun-buyback program” for assault-style firearms, in addition to legislation to automatically revoke gun licenses from Canadians convicted of violent offences, such as intimate partner violence 
  • Hire 1,000 more RCMP personnel, train 1,000 more CBSA officers, and increase funding to the Public Prosecution Services of Canada 
  • Tighten bail laws for violent and organized crime, home invasions, car theft, and human trafficking – especially for repeat offenders 
  • To combat hate crime, such as antisemitism and Islamophobia, legislation will make it a criminal offence to willfully obstruct access to places of worship, school, or community centres 

Conservatives  

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre made more traction this week in tightening the polls. This comes as he continues to host sizeable rallies, suggesting significant levels of support from coast to coast. However, there remains a sense that the Conservatives are campaigning on their previous playbook from when Trudeau was in power, versus the current environment we find ourselves in with escalating geopolitical factors. Poilievre is expected to do well in the debates – a skill he has mastered from his political career – but he will need to balance his approach with his likeability and how Canadians will perceive his demeanour. This week, the Conservatives focused on announcements around recovery treatment for addictions, resource development, justice system reform, and housing. 

 Announcements 

  • Fund recovery treatment for Canadians facing addiction and cut red tape by 25 per cent in two years 
  • Resource announcement 
  • “One and Done” Resource Project Approval Process, including a new “Rapid Resource Project Office” to streamline decisions for major resource projects with the goal of six months to a year approvals 
  • Rapidly review and approve 10 resource projects, including the second phase of natural gas liquefaction project in northern BC and several new mines 
  • “Bring it home tax task force” to crack down on offshore tax loopholes 
  • Justice system reform 
  • “Three Strikes, You’re Out Law” to incarcerate offenders for 10 years without parole, bail, or house arrest following a third conviction of a serious offence 
  • $1.5 billion housing plan for municipalities 
  • Incentivize municipalities to cut building taxes 
  • For every dollar of relief that a municipality offers, they will be reimbursed by the federal government 50 per cent 
  • This would cut housing taxes by $100,000 for the average home 

NDP  

It has been another challenging week for the NDP. What is clear is that the diminishing NDP vote appears to be benefiting the Liberals. Overall, the NDP—and other third parties—help to split votes, so in ridings that are more progressive, it may be harder for Conservatives to win; but if Conservatives can make a case to traditionally NDP voters, then the pendulum could potentially swing the other way. 

 Announcements 

  • Pledged to ensure every Canadian has a family doctor by 2030 
  • Affordability promises, including: 
  • National rent control 
  • Renter’s bill of rights 
  • Ban on renovictions and fixed-term leases 
  • $16 billion national housing strategy – including 3 million units by 2030