Voting has concluded in Canada’s highly anticipated parliamentary elections, with early projections suggesting a lead for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberal Party over the rival Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre.
Polling stations across the country were open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., during which Canadians cast their ballots to elect the next federal government. According to early results and projections by major media outlets, including CBC and CTV News, the Liberal Party is poised to form the next government—though it remains unclear whether it will secure a clear majority in Parliament.
Preliminary counts indicate the Liberals are leading in 158 constituencies, while the Conservatives trail with 143 seats. The Bloc Québécois is ahead in 24 ridings, and the New Democratic Party (NDP) is leading in 10.
To form a majority in the 343-seat House of Commons, a party must win at least 172 seats. Prior to the election, the Liberals held 152 seats, the Conservatives 120, the Bloc Québécois 33, and the NDP 24.
This election unfolded against a backdrop of economic and social challenges, including rising housing costs in urban areas, a national unemployment rate of 6.7%, and ongoing concerns about healthcare accessibility. Additionally, recent U.S. tariffs imposed by President Trump have added to the economic uncertainty, influencing voter sentiment.
As the final counts come in, all eyes remain on whether the Liberals will govern with a majority or seek support from smaller parties to maintain power.
