As Canadians prepare to cast their votes in a crucial election shaped by rising tariffs and the threat of annexation from the United States, the nation’s Catholic bishops are urging voters to approach the ballot box with a spirit of reflection, hope, and a vision aimed at building a better future. Millions are heading to the polls on Monday to select a new federal government after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepped down in March, concluding a decade-long tenure. The main contenders vying for leadership are Mark Carney, interim Prime Minister and the new face of the Liberal Party, and Pierre Poilievre, the head of the Conservative opposition.
In the days leading up to the election, the Permanent Council of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops released a statement encouraging the faithful to deeply contemplate the many pressing issues facing the country, urging them to vote for leaders and policies that serve the common good. The bishops emphasized the vital role of Catholic social teaching in guiding voters' consciences, especially on issues like the sanctity of life—from conception to natural death.
They expressed concern that this fundamental right is under threat due to the absence of legal protections for the unborn, the expansion of eligibility for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), and the limited availability of high-quality palliative care for the terminally ill. Their statement also raised alarms about rising poverty rates, the scourge of human trafficking, mental health crises, and the treatment of immigrants, calling for a compassionate national response to these challenges.
Religious freedom was another key concern, with the bishops warning of increasing hostility toward faith communities and potential risks to the charitable status of religious organizations. They called for renewed support for the family as the bedrock of society, a strong defense of human dignity, and an economic framework built on justice and solidarity, extending not only within Canada's borders but to the global community as well. Catholics were urged to pray earnestly, form their consciences carefully, and make choices that would reflect their faith and commitment to justice as the election approaches.
The election campaign began with the cost of living crisis, a housing shortage, and immigration debates dominating political discourse. However, tensions with the United States have recently overshadowed domestic issues, particularly as President Donald Trump intensified threats of imposing tariffs and even hinted at the idea of Canada becoming the "51st state." These developments have dramatically shifted the political landscape, helping the Liberals close a once-wide polling gap with their Conservative rivals. Polls now predict a tight race, with Mark Carney slightly ahead.
Carney, a political newcomer with an impressive background as former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has promised to rejuvenate the nation’s industries and lessen economic dependence on the U.S. by spearheading efforts to build more homes, factories, and diverse energy sources. Meanwhile, Poilievre has framed the election as a battle between ordinary Canadians and entrenched elites, advocating for a platform of fiscal conservatism, smaller government, and the rollback of environmental regulations to unleash Canada's natural resource wealth.
The final hours of the campaign were overshadowed by tragedy after a car-ramming attack at a Filipino community festival in Vancouver left at least 11 people dead and over 20 injured. Authorities have ruled out terrorism, attributing the incident to mental health issues, and a 30-year-old suspect familiar to law enforcement has been arrested. Both Poilievre and Carney visited the site of the attack to offer condolences, joined by Archbishop J. Michael Miller, who called for prayers for the victims, their families, and the grieving community.