This Saturday, Canada is holding important federal elections that will determine the country’s course for the coming years
Voting stations will be open throughout the day — depending on the region, they open earlier and close later, paving the way for the formation of a new parliament and the appointment of a new Prime Minister. This event is highly significant for the country's domestic and foreign policies, as the election results largely influence not only government leadership but also the overall direction of the nation's development. In total, 16 political parties are registered in Canada as candidates for the parliamentary elections. However, current polling data show that only five of them have real chances of entering Parliament. The most influential and leading contenders are the Liberal Party, headed by incumbent Prime Minister Mark Carney, and the opposition Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre. Alongside them, the race also includes the New Democratic Party, the Green Party, and the separatist Quebecois Bloc — a political force that positions itself as defending the interests of the Francophone region of Canada. Initially, at the beginning of the year, the conservatives were leading in the polls, but recent surveys indicate a shift in electoral preferences and an increased likelihood of victory for the Liberal Party. If successful, the Liberals will win the majority of seats in the new parliament and be able to form a government independently, without the need to seek coalition partners. This would be a significant achievement for a political force that has been dominant in Canadian politics for many years. The election campaign took place amid tensions caused by trade conflicts with the United States, as well as contradictory statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the possible annexation of Canada. These events heightened political tension and added seriousness to the election, during which every vote was crucial. It is expected that the final results will be announced on Monday night or early Tuesday. This will allow political parties and citizens to draw conclusions and set the country's course for the upcoming years. As a reminder, on March 10 of this year, it was announced that Mark Carney won the national leadership race within the Liberal Party of Canada, gaining the opportunity to become the country's new Prime Minister. Carney is replacing Justin Trudeau and will soon officially take the office in the Cabinet of Ministers. This was a pivotal event ahead of the upcoming federal elections, and many experts predict that his entry into politics will play a key role in shaping Canada's new foreign policy direction. Another important sign is that the ruling Liberal Party has assured that, should they win, they will provide Ukraine with all possible support in security, economic, and diplomatic spheres. This is a message to the international community and to the internal citizens who support the importance of Ukraine within the context of European and global security. Thus, these elections will be decisive for Canada's future development, its foreign policy, and internal stability. Their outcome could change the political climate in the country and determine its strategic course within the international community.