Liberals lagging other parties in candidates as election call could be days away
With a federal election call on the horizon, the race to nominate candidates in all 343 ridings is well underway. As of last week, the Conservative Party leads the pack with 258 candidates nominated, followed by the NDP with 217, the Green Party with 208, and the Liberal Party bringing up the rear with 185 candidates.
The Bloc Québécois, focusing solely on Quebec ridings, has named candidates for 53 of the province’s 78 ridings, with 11 officially nominated as of Tuesday. Despite the slow start, the party remains confident with 29 of its current 33 MPs planning to run again, along with 16 other announced candidates.
Political science professor Cristine De Clercy from Trent University highlighted the challenges the Liberals faced in recruiting candidates following the leadership change. However, with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s victory in the leadership race and a surge in poll numbers, some potential candidates have reconsidered.
On the other hand, professor Melanee Thomas from the University of Calgary noted the unusually low number of Liberal nominees this close to an election. She attributed the Conservatives’ lead to their proactive stance on an early election, contrasting with the Liberals’ delayed nomination process.
The rush to fill vacant spots raises concerns about vetting candidates thoroughly, as online posts from the past could resurface and harm the party’s image during the campaign. Both De Clercy and Thomas emphasized the importance of careful candidate selection to avoid potential gaffes.
Despite Parliament’s prorogation until March 24, Prime Minister Carney, as an unelected leader, faces pressure to secure a seat in the House of Commons. Senior officials stress the need for a strong mandate to navigate economic challenges, particularly amidst uncertainties stemming from the Trump administration.
Anand, speaking on CBC’s Power and Politics, expressed the Prime Minister’s commitment to the electoral process and desire to lead from within the House of Commons. However, opposition parties threaten a non-confidence vote if Parliament reconvenes before the election, setting the stage for a high-stakes political showdown.
As parties scramble to finalize their candidate rosters and strategize their campaigns, the upcoming federal election promises to be a closely contested battle for control of Canada’s political landscape. Stay tuned for more updates as the election date draws near.
