A consequential election ends with a stark choice and an uncertain future
The 45th general election in Canada has been described as the most consequential election of our lifetime. With the future of Western democracy uncertain, the climate crisis looming, and polarization on the rise, the choices made in this election are more important than ever.
Political strategist John Duffy once said, “Elections matter.” This sentiment has never been more true than it is today. In a world where some have tried to convince voters that elections are inconsequential or rigged, Duffy believed that elections are fundamentally human endeavors with real consequences.
The two leading parties in this election, the Liberals and the Conservatives, offer Canadians a stark choice of personalities, priorities, and biographies. Liberal Leader Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre have very different views on the challenges facing Canada and how to address them.
Carney believes that the biggest problem facing Canada is U.S. President Donald Trump and the agenda and politics he represents. He sees himself as the person best suited to lead the country through this precarious moment. Poilievre, on the other hand, believes that the biggest problem facing Canada is the policies implemented by Justin Trudeau’s government over the last nine years. He promises to lead great change.
The two parties have differing views on a range of issues, from climate change to economic sovereignty to social programs. They also have very different perspectives on the future of Canada’s relationship with the United States. While Poilievre sees the Trump challenge as a tariff fight that should end with a renegotiated trade deal, Carney views it as a changed relationship that will require Canada to act differently and forge new alliances.
With the election just around the corner, Canadians are faced with a momentous decision. The choices made in this election will shape the future of the country for years to come. As John Duffy once said, elections matter. And in this critical moment in history, that sentiment has never been more true.
