Four major political parties to participate in Canada’s federal election on April 28; Liberal Party in focus

Four major political parties to participate in Canada’s federal election on April 28; Liberal Party in focus

According to Canada’s election rules, the campaign period must be at least 37 days and can last up to a maximum of 51 days. Prime Minister Mark Carney officially announced the election on Sunday, thereby starting the campaign — which, by law, will be the shortest allowed campaign period.

How will the election take place?
Canada has 343 federal electoral districts (ridings). Eligible voters will cast their votes for their preferred candidate based on where they live.

Canada’s election system follows the "first-past-the-post" method — meaning, the candidate with the most votes wins, even if they do not secure a specific percentage of the total vote. The elected representatives will sit in the House of Commons, the lower house of Canada’s Parliament.

Who will be the next Prime Minister?
Under Canada’s parliamentary system, the leader of the party that wins the most seats will become the Prime Minister. If no party secures a majority of seats, they will attempt to form a government by entering into agreements with other parties.

What are the main political parties?
Canada has four major political parties:

• Liberal Party: In power since 2015, currently holding 152 seats.

• Conservative Party: The main opposition with 120 seats, led by Pierre Poilievre.

• New Democratic Party (NDP): Holding 24 seats, led by Jagmeet Singh.

• Bloc Québécois: Runs candidates only in Quebec, holding 33 seats, led by Yves-François Blanchet.

There is also the Green Party of Canada, holding two seats, but they are not expected to make significant gains.

Changing dynamics
Until recently, a Conservative victory seemed almost certain. However, trade tariffs have changed the situation. Current polls indicate that the Liberal Party is now neck and neck with the Conservatives in terms of public support.

Opposition parties, especially Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives, had hoped that the 2025 election campaign would center around rising living costs, food prices, and housing expenses. However, former U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and his threat to turn Canada into the “51st state” have shifted the focus of the discussion.