Canada Election 2025: Budget Battles, Trump Effect & Record Turnout

The Liberals, once trailing badly, are now leading in the polls just days before the election.

What changed?

Experts say Donald Trump’s aggressive rhetoric and trade threats have sparked a wave of Canadian nationalism, boosting Liberal

support.

Mark Carney, now Liberal leader, has positioned himself as a calm, experienced alternative to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre,

who’s been compared to a 'karaoke Trump.' Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives promise $70B in tax cuts and $34B in

new spending, but critics say the math doesn’t add up.

Former budget watchdog Kevin Page called their revenue projections 'excessively high' and warned of a 'major credibility problem.'

The platform banks on economic growth from policies not yet in place, with no clear timeline to balance

the budget.

The Liberals received a 'good' grade from the Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy for their costed platform,

praised for transparency and realistic assumptions.

Their plan includes $130B in new spending and a goal to balance the operating budget by 2029—though experts

say that target will be tough to meet if a recession hits.

A record 7.3 million Canadians voted early this election, a 25% jump from 2021.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh called it 'really exciting,' while Bloc leader Blanchet said it shows voters are more

decisive or just want to get it over with.

Either way, it’s a sign of high engagement ahead of Monday’s vote.

Over 500 Canadian professors are urging party leaders to make Canada a safe haven for 'academic refugees' fleeing

U.S.

campuses under political pressure.

They’re also calling for major reinvestment in Canadian universities to protect academic freedom and attract global talent.