OTTAWA – The Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, and the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, unveiled their costed campaign platforms on Saturday, April 19, 2025. This announcement comes with just over a week remaining in the election campaign, a critical time for both parties as they prepare to fight for voter support in a highly competitive political landscape.
Mark Carney presented the Liberal platform in Whitby, Ontario, a key battleground riding in the populous Greater Toronto Area. The platform outlines significant new spending commitments and marks a shift in priorities from the previous 2021 platform under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The 65-page document indicates a recalibration in the balance of operating and capital expenditures within the government. Carney aims to attract private-sector investment, with a particular focus on mitigating economic challenges stemming from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, which have contributed to a global economic crisis.
This release followed the commencement of advance voting, which started on Friday, with election-day polling stations buzzing with voters across the country. As Carney campaigns in southern Ontario, he plans to make a whistle-stop in Newcastle and hold a rally in Peterborough, where the Liberals are targeting to unseat the incumbent Conservative Member of Parliament (MP), Michelle Ferreri. Ferreri won the 2021 election by a margin of several thousand votes, yet recent polls suggest that this upcoming contest may be much tighter. A third-party group, registered with Elections Canada under the name "No More MP Ferreri," is also attempting to rally support against her.
Meanwhile, Jagmeet Singh's NDP platform, announced in Burnaby, British Columbia, includes ambitious proposals such as a wealth tax targeting "super-rich millionaires," which the party claims could generate over $22 billion annually. Additionally, Singh's plan allocates $7 billion specifically for expanding mental health coverage. Following the platform launch, Singh is set to participate in a rally in Victoria, further engaging with voters in the province.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is also active in the campaign, planning a news conference in Richmond, British Columbia, as the election race intensifies among the main party leaders. Advance polling will be open today through Monday, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, providing voters with opportunities to cast their ballots ahead of the official election day.
Overall, the unveiling of these campaign platforms signals a strategic moment for both the Liberal and NDP parties, as they seek to resonate with the electorate while grappling with significant national and economic issues that have arisen. As voters begin to engage in the democratic process through advance voting, the landscape for this election remains dynamic and closely watched.
