Canada Election 2025 LIVE Updates: Mark Carney calls for unity amid US instability

As Canadians head to the polls today, Prime Minister Mark Carney is urging citizens to stay united amid growing concerns over US instability, particularly President Donald Trump’s aggressive stance on trade. With polling scheduled to start at 7 am local time (7:30 pm IST) and results expected by around 10 am IST, the stakes are high for this federal election. Carney is facing off against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre in a race that will determine the future direction of the country.

Once trailing in the polls, Carney has managed to rally support by framing the election as a critical choice between unity and vulnerability in the face of escalating threats from the US. His warnings about the potential impacts of US policies on Canada’s sovereignty have resonated with many voters.

On the other side, Poilievre, aiming to end a decade of Liberal rule, is positioning himself as the candidate for change. He blames the Liberal government for its mismanagement and its failure to shield Canada from US economic pressure.

Opinion Polls: A Shifting Landscape

According to Nanos Research, Conservatives had led the race at the time of Justin Trudeau’s resignation, with a 47% popularity compared to the Liberals’ 20%. However, a recent poll conducted from April 24-26 shows the Liberal Party gaining momentum, with a 4-point national lead and a 6-point advantage in Ontario, which holds the most seats in the country.

Where and When Will Results Be Available?

Elections Canada is expecting to count the vast majority of ballots on election night, although each polling station counts votes manually. Results are then uploaded to the official Elections Canada website and reported to news agencies. The first batch of results is expected to be released by 10 am IST on April 29.

Live Updates:

21:42 (IST): Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-François Blanchet casts his vote in Chambly, Quebec, reaffirming his support for Quebec’s sovereignty and its place in the federal election.

21:33 (IST): Election Odds Shift: The Liberal Party is now considered the frontrunner with an 83% chance of victory, while the Conservative Party trails at 23%, according to Canada Sports Betting.

21:15 (IST): Prime Minister Carney posts a video urging Canadians to vote for unity. “The crisis in the United States doesn’t stop at their borders,” he says. “Let’s choose to be united and strong – Canada strong.”

21:07 (IST): Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and his wife cast their votes in Ottawa, sending a thumbs-up to supporters.

20:44 (IST): Polling stations across Canada, including in Halifax, are seeing high voter turnout as citizens exercise their right to vote.

19:54 (IST): Poilievre addresses US influence, saying, “President Trump, stay out of our election. The only people who will decide Canada’s future are Canadians. Canada will always stand proud, sovereign, and independent. We will NEVER be the 51st state.”