As Canada heads toward the 2025 federal election, the race is shaping up to be as usual a two horse race between two parties and a battle of big ideas — and big contrasts — between Liberal leader Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.
As often stated, while I stay involved with politics whether at the municipal, provincial of federal level, I do not belong to any political party. I have long held the opinion that different times call for different measures. Further, I an not about to support and or put my trust in a party that too often fails to put forth a strong leader.
Prior to taking advantage of advancing polling to cast my vote, I did my own research into what the Conservatives and Liberals (the incumbent) had to offer. While both of their respective leaders are promising change, they’re offering very different paths for the country. Here’s a look at what each appears to be bringing to the table — and how their platforms compare on the big issues Canadians care about.
The Economy: Compete vs. Cut
Mark Carney (Liberal):
A seasoned economist and former central banker, Carney wants to build economic resilience and independence. He’s focused on boosting productivity, removing interprovincial trade barriers, and creating new partnerships with global and U.S. markets. His goal? A self-reliant economy that can stand strong in an unpredictable world. Carney appears to see the proposed Tariffs by the Trump Administration as a threat to Canada’s economy which in the past has relied heavily and perhaps too much so on trade with the U.S. As a result Carmey has begun to build trade relationships with the European Union and others, many of which like Canada hold large amounts of America’s debt via U.S. Treasury Bonds.
Pierre Poilievre (Conservative):
Poilievre’s economic plan is built around shrinking government and cutting red tape. He’s promising to eliminate the carbon tax, reduce the size of the federal public service, and lower taxes. His message appeals to Canadians who feel overtaxed and underserved by bureaucracy. When asked in an interview https://bit.ly/3RXHQPN his opinion of Trump Poilievre replied “…. Trump is a highly successful business” and “…. he negotiates aggressive and likes to win but in the end he doesn’t appear to have a problem if his counterpart wins.”
🟨 Summary:
Carney emphasizes strategic investment and collaboration, while Poilievre champions smaller government and deregulation.
Housing Affordability: Build More — or Build Smarter?
Carney:
His housing strategy involves creating a federal Crown corporation to lead construction efforts. He’s putting $35 billion toward prefab and affordable housing and offering a GST break for first-time buyers on homes under $1 million.
Poilievre:
Rather than federal builds, Poilievre wants to incentivize cities to build more. His plan penalizes municipalities that fail to meet 15% growth in housing starts — and rewards those that do. He also proposes converting federal buildings into homes.
🟨 Summary:
Carney wants to lead housing efforts from the top down. Poilievre prefers a bottom-up, market-driven approach.
Climate Policy: Incentives vs. Elimination
Carney:
Carney proposes replacing the carbon tax on consumers with green incentives, while keeping emissions pricing for big industrial polluters. He supports expanding clean energy infrastructure and a cross-country pipeline to improve energy security.
Poilievre:
He wants to scrap the carbon tax altogether, arguing it punishes Canadians without reducing global emissions. His focus is on unleashing domestic oil, gas, and nuclear energy projects — and fast-tracking pipelines.
🟨 Summary:
Carney supports climate incentives and a gradual shift, while Poilievre backs full repeal of carbon pricing and a boost to fossil fuel development.
National Security & Sovereignty: Build Defense or Trim Bureaucracy?
Carney:
With rising global tensions, Carney proposes a major boost to defense spending — $30.9 billion over four years, including Arctic defense and Indigenous-led infrastructure. His platform aims to prepare Canada for geopolitical uncertainty, especially in relation to the U.S.
Poilievre:
His focus is more domestic: reducing federal staffing, pushing for law-and-order reforms, and cracking down on crime. His security message centers on making communities safer, rather than expanding military capability.
🟨 Summary:
Carney focuses on military and geopolitical readiness, while Poilievre zeroes in on domestic safety and cutting government size.
Social Programs & Youth: Access vs. Restraint
Carney:
He’s offering expanded $10-a-day daycare, plus a “Canada Strong Pass” — free summer access for kids to museums and VIA Rail. His platform suggests a continued investment in inclusive, accessible programs.
Poilievre:
Poilievre is less focused on expanding social programs and more on cutting costs and taxes. His platform appeals to Canadians who believe lower taxes and smaller government will allow families to make their own choices.
🟨 Summary:
Carney offers new and expanded federal supports, while Poilievre trusts the private sector and household budgets to lead the way.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
The 2025 election is offering a stark choice between two visions:
- Mark Carney wants a stronger, more unified Canada with strategic public investments, a reimagined partnership with the U.S., and a values-based economy.
- Pierre Poilievre is promising a leaner, freer Canada, focused on eliminating taxes, streamlining government, and letting individuals and businesses drive growth.
Both approaches speak to different anxieties and hopes across the country. Whichever side Canadians choose, one thing is clear — this election is about direction, not just policy.
Ultimately one week from today on April 28th, it will be up to Canadians to decide who can best lead the country moving forward in what have become uncertain times. No matter what your political beliefs or preferences are the main things is, get out and VOTE.
NOTE: The author is a Broker, Market Value Appraiser-Residential with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and a Past President (2008) of the One Point Association of REALTORS®.