Donald Trump has significantly impacted this year's Canadian election, turning what seemed like a comfortable win for the opposition Conservatives into a tighter race with the possibility of a deadlock.
The right-leaning Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, had maintained a substantial lead for 18 months over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals, whom they criticized for allegedly weakening Canada during their nearly decade-long tenure.
However, recent developments have cast doubts on the Conservatives' anticipated victory. Trudeau's recent announcement, coupled with Trump's threat to impose severe tariffs on Canadian imports, has shifted the political landscape.
Nik Nanos, founder of Nanos Research polling firm, remarked that, "When you look at the changes over the past four weeks it's basically a whole new world... the big change is Trump."
A recent Nanos poll revealed the Conservatives at 39% public support, with the Liberals at 32%, possibly leading to the Conservatives falling short of a majority in the House of Commons.
This outcome could result in a precarious minority government, potentially diverting attention from critical matters such as energy, mineral policies, and trade challenges with the U.S.
The Liberals have drawn comparisons between Trump and Poilievre in an advertisement highlighting similarities in their behavior towards opponents, the media, and national pride.
With the upcoming election, both former finance minister Chrystia Freeland and ex-central banker Mark Carney have emerged as key contenders, promising to repeal the carbon tax while confronting Trump's policies.
Despite the ongoing discussions of strategic shifts within the Conservative party, Poilievre emphasized a "Canada First" approach in a recent speech, blaming Trudeau for economic challenges while maintaining his position on key issues.
Polls suggest a close race between the Liberals and Conservatives, with factors such as cost of living, affordability, and leadership dynamics playing a significant role in shaping public opinion.
As the Liberals prepare to announce their new leader on March 9, the potential impact of Trump's policies on the Canadian election remains a key concern for all parties involved.