Canadians are in for a lightning-quick but very bumpy ride over the next five weeks.
Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Governor General Mary Simon on March 23 to dissolve parliament and launch the country into one of the most talked-about and least surprising snap elections ever. Candidates were out vying for space on hydro poles at strategic intersections with campaign signs and zip ties in hand several hours before Carney strode up to Rideau Hall. The buses were pre-fuelled, and the electoral machines behind each of the major parties were revving.
The fact that this election comes as no surprise takes nothing away from its significance, as Canadians stand raised elbow to elbow against threats from the U.S. administration and President Donald Trump as they level attacks on our country’s economy and question our sovereignty.
Now should be a time for our politicians to come together, but this election could well see our political leaders duke it out over who is the least like Trump. Hopefully we move quickly beyond superficial vitriol to focus on the many real issues facing Canadians, tariffs included. With only 38 days to make their cases to Canadians, there is simply no time to waste.
Trump’s election to a second term and the ensuing chaos of the past two months have already greatly influenced the campaign. Just a few months ago, the federal Conservatives were looking at a double-digit lead in the polls. We are about to witness firsthand how quickly the winds can change in politics, as the Conservatives tack hard while the Liberals seem to be enjoying full sails.
Of course, the proverbial waters are choppy, and there is no telling what may blow up from our southern neighbours that could send all parties completely off course. Campaigns are difficult to run at the best of times, and the constantly shifting sea of a volatile trade war is far from an optimal setting.
So, the campaign will be messy, melodramatic, and mean, but with a mighty purpose. Here’s hoping that the promise of a fair and democratic election rings true, and we get past slogans, reckless name-calling, and comparisons to talk about what is really at stake.
We need a strong and united government to get us through this, and to lead us toward a more sustainable and stable future. That being said, all sides need to be left afloat and with enough stamina to keep those elbows up as we take on the bullies that lie immediately ahead.
Sarah Rennie