Canada elections 2025: The 4 candidates running for Prime Miner | World News
As Canadians get ready to vote on 28 April, the country is seeing a close contest between the ruling Liberals and the opposition Conservatives. For the first time in ten years, former Prime Miner Justin Trudeau is not part of the race.Mark Carney, 60, is Canada’s new prime miner, stepping into the role only weeks ago after Justin Trudeau stepped down. He was chosen overwhelmingly the Liberal Party in March, winning over 85 per cent of the vote.
Canada Liberal leader Mark Carney makes an announcement at International Associates of Bridge Structural & Ornamental Iron Workers Local Union 725 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. (AP)
Carney is a well-known figure in both Canada and the UK, having led the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis and later the Bank of England during Brexit. Born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, he went on to study economics at Harvard and Oxford.
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Although he is widely praised for his financial knowledge, this is his first time running in an election. “He has never been elected to public office before,” the BBC notes, making this campaign an important test of his political strength.
While his limited French skills have raised some eyebrows in Quebec, they haven’t significantly affected his popularity. He has also faced criticism for taking breaks during the campaign due to his duties as prime miner, even as a trade dispute with the US unfolds.
Pierre Poilievre – leader of the Conservative Party
Pierre Poilievre, 45, is a longtime figure in Canadian politics, first elected to Parliament at just 25. A Calgary native, he is known for his sharp criticism of the Liberals and his push for smaller government and lower taxes.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre makes a point as he participates in the French-language federal leaders’ debate, in Montreal. (AP)
According to the BBC, Poilievre “has promised a return to ‘common sense politics’” and has gained support from Canadians worried about high living costs and a housing shortage.Story continues below this ad
Although compared to Donald Trump due to his popul tone, Poilievre has attempted to dance himself from the former US president. “I have a completely different story from Donald Trump,” he told reporters, pointing to his humble upbringing. Trump himself said Poilievre is not “MAGA enough”.
Yves-François Blanchet – leader of the Bloc Québécois
Yves-François Blanchet heads the Bloc Québécois, a party that only runs candidates in Quebec and supports greater independence for the French-speaking province. Though he is not in the running for prime miner, his party plays a key role in federal elections.
Blanchet, who became leader in 2019, is known for his blunt remarks. Responding to Trump’s talk about Canada becoming the 51st US state, he said, “It’s enough jibber-jabber,” according to the BBC.
His party wants Quebec to have a stronger role in trade talks, especially as Quebec’s aluminium industry has been hit hard US tariffs. However, the Bloc has been losing ground to the Liberals in Quebec, with CBC poll data shared the BBC putting the Liberals at 43 per cent and the Bloc at 23 per cent.Story continues below this ad
Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet speaks during the French-language federal leaders’ debate, in Montreal. (AP)
Jagmeet Singh leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP)
Jagmeet Singh, 46, made hory in 2017 as the first person from a visible minority background to lead a major federal party in Canada. A practising Sikh and former defence lawyer, Singh represents a riding in British Columbia.
New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh participates in the French-language federal leaders’ debate, in Montreal. (AP)
The NDP had supported the Liberal government since 2021 backing key legislation, such as dental benefits and national drug coverage. But Singh ended that agreement in late 2024, saying the Liberals “let people down” over how they handled a major railway strike.
Despite his strong stance, the NDP has struggled to grow its support. The BBC reports that only 8.5 per cent of Canadians plan to vote for the party. Singh’s challenge will be to keep enough seats in Parliament to maintain official party status.
