Millions of Canadians will head to the polls on Monday, April 28, to vote in Canada’s 2025 federal election — but many voters will still be figuring out exactly where they stand.
This year’s election is being driven by significant issues like inflation, housing affordability, the economy, immigration, health care, and the growing impact of U.S. politics on Canada, with Donald Trump and trade tensions particularly in the spotlight.
Elections Canada says that early voter turnout has surged, with a record 7.3 million Canadians casting their ballots during advance voting — a 25% increase compared to 2021.
However, if you haven’t voted yet, there’s still time to get familiar with the major party leaders, their key promises, and the biggest issues Canada (and Quebec) will face over the next few years.
Going head to head for the role of Canada’s next prime minister are Liberal leader Mark Carney, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, Green Party co-leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault, PPC leader Maxime Bernier, and Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet.
From issues like protecting the French language and culture, to the environment and concerns about Canada’s economy and relationship with the United States, there’s no shortage of factors to weigh up ahead of the big day on Monday.
Not sure who to vote for in this election? We’ve broken down where each leader stands and what they’re promising if they win your vote on April 28.
Bloc Québécois
The Bloc Québécois, which only runs candidates in Quebec, is focused on strengthening the province’s autonomy within Canada.
Party leader Yves-François Blanchet is pledging to boost protections for the French language and French culture, push for full provincial control when it comes to immigration, and demand stricter environmental laws.
The Bloc also wants more federal support for Quebec industries like forestry and aluminum, stronger border security measures, and increased financial help for seniors and young entrepreneurs.
You can explore how the Bloc plans to defend Quebec’s interests and its full list of priorities here.
Conservative
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is promising sweeping tax cuts, including lowering the bottom income tax rate and scrapping the federal carbon tax entirely.
His party’s platform also focuses on making homeownership more affordable by cutting taxes on new homes and fast-tracking construction projects.
Poilievre is also pushing a “Canada First” agenda on defence, Arctic security, and trade, with plans to retaliate against U.S. tariffs and strengthen the economy.
On crime, he’s pledging tougher sentencing and stricter bail laws.
You can check out a more detailed breakdown of their key promises here.
Liberal
Liberal leader Mark Carney is pitching a middle-class tax cut that could save two-income families up to $825 a year.
He’s also promising major action on housing by launching a federal homebuilding initiative and boosting financing for affordable housing projects.
The Liberal Party’s plan also focuses on fighting crime by cracking down on gun violence and organized crime.
On the trade front, he’s pledging to stand up to U.S. tariffs with new investments to protect Canadian industries.
You can explore some of the key Liberal policies heading into election day right here.
Green
Green Party co-leaders Elizabeth May and Jonathan Pedneault are focused on treating housing as a human right by launching a large-scale public homebuilding program tied to income, not market rates.
The Green Party platform also includes cutting federal income tax for lower earners, transitioning Canada to 100% clean energy, and investing heavily in renewable infrastructure.
The Greens are calling for expanded public health care to cover prescriptions, dental care, and mental health services, too.
You can learn more about the Green Party’s plans for Canada’s future here.
NDP
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is committing to tackling housing affordability in Canada by building 3 million homes, introducing national rent control, and cutting taxes for workers and families.
His plan also includes hiring more doctors and nurses to guarantee everyone a family doctor by 2030. Singh is pledging to cap grocery prices on essential items and launch a massive home retrofit program to lower energy bills.
He’s also vowing to defend Canadian jobs against U.S. tariffs with strategic investments and new savings bonds.
You can read more about the NDP’s key promises and vision here.
PPC
People’s Party of Canada leader Maxime Bernier is campaigning to cut the size of the government, balance the budget within a year, and slash taxes.
His platform also includes pausing immigration to address sky-high housing prices, eliminating the carbon tax, and pulling Canada out of the Paris Agreement.
Bernier also promises to roll back laws he claims limit free speech and proposes stricter policies around gender identity, especially when it comes to people under the age of 18.
You can find out more about the PPC and its goals for Canada here.
Want to find out more about all of Canada’s major parties and their promises this election? Head to MTL Blog’s election hub for the full leader profiles.
