Canada election 2025 live: voting under way as Trump told to ‘stay out of our election’ | Canada
Summary of the day so far
Canadians across the country are heading to the polls to cast their votes to decide who will form the next government. The two clear frontrunners are the Liberal party, led by Mark Carney, and the Conservative party, led by Pierre Poilievre. Here’s a recap of the latest developments:
Polls have opened nationwide with the last polls expected to close at 10pm EDT. Preliminary results are likely to come in tonight or early Tuesday morning.
A record 7.3 million people had already cast their ballots in advance polls before election day, according to Elections Canada. Canada has 28.9 million eligible voters.
The Liberals are the “clear frontrunners” of this election with a 83% chance of victory, according to Canada Sports Betting. The Conservative party is still trailing behind with a 23% chance of winning, it says.
Donald Trump’s aggressive posture towards Canada has scrambled the stakes of the election. Until February, the Conservatives enjoyed a 25 point lead over the Liberals.
Opinion
Trump once again threatened Canada’s independent sovereignty on the eve of the election, describing the border between the two nations as an “artificially drawn line from many years ago”. In a Truth Social post, the US president urged Canada to become the 51st state of the US, claiming it would bring tax cuts, and increased military power.
Poilievre responded to Trump’s threat by urging him to “stay out of our election”. “Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state,” the Conservative leader posted on X.
Carney, also in an apparent reference to Trump, said “this is Canada – and we decide what happens here.” In a video posted on X, the Liberal leader referred to a “crisis” in the US and reminded voters of the threat to Canada’s economy posed by Trump’s tariffs.
Key events
Some voters in Windsor, Ontario, are being redirected to a new polling location after a fire forced the shutdown of a recreation centre that was serving as a federal election polling station.
Fire crews were called to WFCU Centre earlier on Monday and people inside were evacuated, Windsor fire and rescue services said. The fire has since been brought under control.
Election officials have redirected Windsor-Tecumseh-Lakeshore voters to St Joseph’s high school nearby.
Elections Canada is urging voters who plan to head to the polls after work or around dinner time to consider going a little earlier or later.
Voters who have a flexible schedule should consider heading to the polling station before lunch or early in the afternoon when polls are typically less busy, it says.
The Bloc Québécois leader, Yves-François Blanchet, has been pictured casting his vote in Chambly, Quebec.
Blanchet said he expected close battles in Quebec and that it would be “a very interesting evening for people who like politics as much as others like golf or football.”
Polls show Bloc Québécois in second place in Quebec with 28% support, after the Liberals at 42% support, according to CTV.
Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-Francois Blanchet votes on federal election day in Chambly, Quebec. Photograph: Graham Hughes/Reuters
Summary of the day so far
Canadians across the country are heading to the polls to cast their votes to decide who will form the next government. The two clear frontrunners are the Liberal party, led by Mark Carney, and the Conservative party, led by Pierre Poilievre. Here’s a recap of the latest developments:
Polls have opened nationwide with the last polls expected to close at 10pm EDT. Preliminary results are likely to come in tonight or early Tuesday morning.
A record 7.3 million people had already cast their ballots in advance polls before election day, according to Elections Canada. Canada has 28.9 million eligible voters.
The Liberals are the “clear frontrunners” of this election with a 83% chance of victory, according to Canada Sports Betting. The Conservative party is still trailing behind with a 23% chance of winning, it says.
Donald Trump’s aggressive posture towards Canada has scrambled the stakes of the election. Until February, the Conservatives enjoyed a 25 point lead over the Liberals.
Opinion
Trump once again threatened Canada’s independent sovereignty on the eve of the election, describing the border between the two nations as an “artificially drawn line from many years ago”. In a Truth Social post, the US president urged Canada to become the 51st state of the US, claiming it would bring tax cuts, and increased military power.
Poilievre responded to Trump’s threat by urging him to “stay out of our election”. “Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state,” the Conservative leader posted on X.
Carney, also in an apparent reference to Trump, said “this is Canada – and we decide what happens here.” In a video posted on X, the Liberal leader referred to a “crisis” in the US and reminded voters of the threat to Canada’s economy posed by Trump’s tariffs.
Canada Sports Betting, a top resource for Canadian betting, has been updated to show the Liberals as the “clear frontrunners” of this election. According to these odds, Liberals have an 83% chance of victory.
While the Liberals have seen a slight decline and Conservatives have seen a slight boost in odds in the days leading up to the election, the Conservative party is still trailing behind with a 23% chance of winning, according to the company.
Betting odds are displayed on a board in the sports book at a hotel casino in Las Vegas. Photograph: John Locher/AP
In a short video posted on X, prime minister Mark Carney referred to a “crisis” in the US and reminded voters of the threat to Canada’s economy posed by Trump’s tariffs.
Carney says in the video: “I know people are anxious right now. The crisis in the United States doesn’t stop at their borders.
“They can become divided and weak. But this is Canada and we decided what happens here. Let’s choose to be united and strong – Canada strong.”
Conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre, along with his wife, Anaida Poilievre, have cast their votes at an Ottawa polling station in Ontario, Canada.
Pierre Poilievre and his wife, Anaida, cast their votes in the federal election in Ottawa. Photograph: Adrian Wyld/AFP/Getty Images
Polls are now officially open across Canada. Here are a few images of what voting day looks like.
People line up outside a polling station to vote in Toronto. Photograph: Arlyn McAdorey/ReutersElections Canada staff assist a voter inside a polling station in Toronto. Photograph: Arlyn McAdorey/ReutersElections Canada staff in Toronto. Photograph: Arlyn McAdorey/Reuters
Both liberal prime minister Mark Carney and conservative Pierre Poilievre are still doing some last minute campaigning on social media.
Carney posted on X: “It’s time, Canada. Vote #CanadaStrong” along with a campaign video.
Poilievre posted on X: “It’s simple: No vote, no change. Bring friends, family and coworkers out to VOTE for Change. Vote Conservative.”
Conservative Pierre Poilievre tells Trump 'stay out of our election'
Conservative Pierre Poilievre posted on X: “President Trump, stay out of our election. The only people who will decide the future of Canada are Canadians at the ballot box.
“Canada will always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state.
“Today Canadians can vote for change so we can strengthen our country, stand on our own two feet and stand up to America from a position of strength.”
This post appears to be a response to Trump’s earlier post on Truth Social, where he urged Canadians to make their country the 51st US state. Canada’s sovereignty is considered to be on the ballot thanks to Trump, and Poilievre is likely seeking to distance himself from the controversial US president whom he has praised in the past.
Here are some pictures of voters lining up outside a polling station in Toronto, Ontario this morning as Canada votes in the federal election.
People line up outside a polling station to vote in Canada's federal election, in Toronto, Ontario, 28 April. Photograph: Arlyn McAdorey/Reuters
