Poilievre tries to capitalize on NDP weakness but Liberal surge could complicate things

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has shifted his focus in the early days of the election campaign to target NDP-held ridings that were once thought to be up for grabs due to the decline in New Democrat support. However, the recent surge of the Liberal Party has disrupted his plans and changed the dynamics of the race.

Many attribute the Liberal resurgence to the economic assault on Canada by U.S. President Donald Trump, which has led some voters to question Poilievre’s ability to stand up to the American threats. This perception has given Liberal Leader Mark Carney a boost in the polls, as voters see him as the best candidate to take on Trump and defend Canada’s interests.

Despite the shifting political landscape, Poilievre remains determined and is making a play for seats held by the NDP in areas where there is a history of swings between the orange and blue parties. In particular, he is targeting ridings on B.C.’s Vancouver Island, where the majority of seats are held by New Democrats.

During a campaign stop in Nanaimo, Poilievre criticized the NDP for aligning with the Liberals in the previous Parliament and urged voters to choose a different path. He emphasized the failures of the NDP in these communities, such as supporting carbon taxes and soft-on-crime policies, and presented the Conservatives as a viable alternative.

While Nanaimo has historically been a stronghold for the NDP, some residents are considering voting Liberal for the first time, citing concerns about Trump’s actions and Carney’s business acumen. The presence of tariffs imposed by the U.S. has reshaped the race in unexpected ways, leading to a surge in Liberal support in the region.

Pollster Shachi Kurl noted the dramatic shift in the polls, attributing it to the external factor of the Trump tariffs. She highlighted the importance of the Canada-U.S. relationship in shaping voter perceptions and predicted that strategic voting may play a significant role in the election outcome.

Despite the challenges, NDP candidate Lisa Marie Barron remains confident in her ability to appeal to progressive voters and stand against Conservative cuts. She emphasized the importance of having a candidate who will fight for working people and address their needs.

As the campaign progresses, Poilievre is focusing on connecting with blue-collar workers and emphasizing his support for the working class. He has rolled out endorsements from private sector unions and deployed the slogan “Boots not suits” to underscore his commitment to representing the interests of working Canadians.

While the race in NDP-held ridings remains competitive, both the Conservatives and Liberals are vying for support in key battlegrounds. With the election outcome uncertain, the candidates are working hard to appeal to voters and make their case for why they are the best choice to lead Canada forward.