Canada Votes: Fears and Concerns

by Eduardo del Buey

Canada Votes: Fears and Concerns

One week from today, Canadians will go to the polls to elect a new government.

This election is arguably the most important in many years, as Canada faces an existential threat from a United States intent on expansion, domination, and annexation, which could ultimately lead to the destruction of our identity and sovereignty.

Other elections have highlighted domestic concerns like housing, the cost of living, crime, climate change, health services, and various other issues that many countries encounter.

This election has a new element to it: fear.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines fear as an unpleasant emotion or thought that you have when you are frightened or worried by something dangerous, painful or bad that is happening or that might happen.

Today, over 700,000 Canadians in the automotive sector are genuinely worried about losing their jobs and livelihoods in an economy that cannot accommodate their transition to other fulfilling activities.

Over 225,000 steelworkers face the same fate.

Similarly, over 10,000 Canadians in the aluminum sector confront the same challenge.

These figures do not consider the ancillary industries supported by steel and aluminum, such as beer producers relying on aluminum cans and the construction sector, which depends on steel and aluminum production as essential inputs for their economic activities.

Over 130,000 Canadians are active in the pharmaceutical industry, which will soon face a 25% tariff imposed by the Trump administration.

This is a genuine cause for concern and is fueling fear about the immediate future among many Canadians.

Conservative supporters are worried that a Liberal government will continue following the failed economic policies of the previous Trudeau government rather than create economic conditions capable of fostering a growing economy for all Canadians.

Liberal supporters fear that a Conservative government will bring in numerous Trumpian elements and undermine the fabric of Canadian society.

Indeed, a Leger Poll taken in March indicates that 46% of Canadians agree

40% support Trump’s policy to deport undocumented immigrants from the U.S., while 34% endorse the establishment of a Ministry of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk.

Many of these voters are Conservatives who support Trump and want his policies adopted in Canada.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has adopted various Republican campaign strategies and has received advice and endorsements from Trump advisors throughout his campaign.

Many of Trudeau's advisors support Liberal leader Mark Carney, raising concerns among numerous voters who fear a continuation of what they perceive as the former government’s policies.

Lori Turnbull, Political Science professor at Dalhousie University, writes that “this federal election is being described as the most consequential in modern Canadian history. The country is in a tariff and trade war with its closest ally, the United States, and President Donald Trump is threatening Canada’s sovereignty.

No wonder Canadians are feeling anxious and fearful. In times of crisis, people tend to look even more diligently for leaders they can trust.

Many voters will consider Donald Trump, which could influence how they cast their votes, irrespective of the other issues they encounter.

So far, polls indicate that a majority of Canadians prefer Mr. Carney’s ability to manage Mr. Trump over Mr. Poilievre or Mr. Singh. This is not surprising, considering Mr. Carney’s extensive international experience and his strategic use of the Prime Minister’s office in dealing with the unpredictable U.S. President.

It will be intriguing to assess Trump’s impact on the election once the votes are counted. Will Canadians cast their votes out of fear of what a Trump-led world may bring, or will other issues finally take precedence over these concerns?

Stay tuned!