Canadians are going to the polls on April 28 to elect a new government at a time of unprecedented turmoil with the United States, as President Donald Trump threatens the country’s economy and sovereignty.
Here is how Canadians, most of whom expressed concern over the U.S. leader, viewed the first week of campaigning between the two leading candidates, Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Avoid a recession
Monika Wetzel, a health sector policy analyst, has voted for different parties in the past and has not yet made up her mind for this election.
“I’d be a happier person without Trump in my life at the moment,” said the 34-year-old from Winnipeg, Man.
“Everyone is so fixated on Trump. He’s everywhere. It’s overwhelming. I just don’t want to hear anything more about him.”
At the same time, she said she wants candidates “to provide reassurance to Canadians that we’ll get through this,” as well as to keep the country united and prevent it from going into a recession.
Economist needed, not politician
Rob Vandertogt is an executive living just north of Toronto in Alliston, Ont.
For him, the top issue in this campaign is the economy and U.S. tariffs on Canadian products.
“The Conservatives seem completely disconnected from what’s really happening in the country. The election has been all about Donald Trump and they’re focused on everything else,” said the 62-year-old voter.
“We don’t need a politician right now to lead the country. We need someone who understands economics,” he said, and so he’s throwing his support behind Carney, who is a former central banker.
Make ends meet
Conservative supporter Valerie Orr, 81, is most concerned about high costs of living, and believes Trump’s dominance in the campaign is counterproductive.
“This threat from the south has diverted too much attention,” she said at a Poilievre event in a Toronto suburb.
“Who ever heard of a state the size of Canada … Come on, be real,” she added, praising Poilievre for focusing on the challenges people face trying to “make it through the week.”
‘One-two punch’
Matthew Bishop, 27, usually votes for the New Democratic Party, but when Carney took over from Justin Trudeau as prime minister and became the Liberal leader earlier this month, his plans changed.
The bar owner from Nanaimo, B.C., said he has high hopes that Carney will get the economy back on track after several years of small business closures.
“He has experience leading central banks and solving crises. I think he has a good grasp of our financial situation,” he said.
He also wants the next prime minister to “respond in kind” to U.S. tariffs. “They put a tariff on us. We give it right back, one-two punch.”
Too much like Trump
Nathalie Guibert, who lives in rural Quebec, an hour and a half from Montreal, hasn’t made her choice yet.
“I think it’s good that Mark Carney went to Europe, that he’s saying the United States is no longer our ally and is seeking new trade partnerships,” said the 56-year-old housewife.
“I associate Pierre Poilievre with Trump. I don’t like his belligerent tone, his Trumpist manner.”
