In a sombre finale to Canada’s intense election campaign, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre made their last appeals to voters on Sunday, overshadowed by a devastating tragedy in Vancouver. The heartbreaking incident, where a man drove through a Filipino festival crowd, killing at least 11 people and injuring dozens, has cast a heavy shadow over the nation.
The five-week campaign, largely dominated by discussions around U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats against Canada, now ends in mourning. It remains uncertain how this tragedy will impact Monday’s voting outcome.
Carney, visibly shaken, announced he would cancel election events scheduled in Calgary and Richmond, British Columbia, to be with the grieving community. He traveled to Vancouver on Sunday, joining British Columbia Premier David Eby and Filipino community leaders to offer condolences.
“Our hearts go out to the families and friends of the victims. This is a devastating loss for the Filipino community and for all Canadians,” Carney expressed during a gathering in Saskatoon.
Meanwhile, Poilievre also paused his campaigning to honour the victims during an event in Oakville, Ontario, acknowledging the Filipino community’s profound grief. Supporters at his event echoed their desire for change after almost a decade of Liberal rule under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Poilievre’s promises have resonated strongly with voters seeking economic relief — from cutting foreign aid spending to eliminating federal sales taxes on Canadian-made vehicles, provided the U.S. tariffs remain.
Carney, a former central banker who took leadership earlier this year after Trudeau’s resignation, pitched himself as the steady hand Canada needs amid turbulent relations with its southern neighbour.
“We are in the equivalent of Game 7 of the Stanley Cup with two minutes left,” Carney told a crowd in Toronto, energizing his base by tapping into Canada’s deep love for hockey.
Polling data as of Sunday showed the Liberal Party maintaining a narrow lead, with 43% support compared to the Conservatives’ 38.9%. The margins suggest a likely Liberal victory, although a majority government is still uncertain. Liberals benefit from stronger urban support, while Conservatives are spread more thinly across rural areas.
British Columbia remains a crucial battleground, with its 43 electoral districts potentially tipping the final balance.
Despite the tragic backdrop, voter engagement remains high. Poilievre’s push for change has particularly resonated with young men, generating large, energetic crowds at his rallies. In contrast, Carney’s campaign has drawn strong support from older Canadians seeking stability during uncertain times.
Both leaders ended their campaigns not with political fanfare, but united in grief, reminding Canadians that beyond politics, the strength of community and compassion remains the nation’s greatest asset.
