• Mark Carney leads the Liberal Party against Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party in a close race.
• The influence of Donald Trump's policies has significantly shaped voter sentiment in Canada.
• Affordability and housing are key issues for younger voters in the upcoming elections.
• Canadians will cast ballots for representatives in the House of Commons across 343 constituencies.
• Results are expected to unfold after polls close at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on election night.

Canadians are set to determine their next government in a vital federal election, with Mark Carney, leader of the Liberal Party, challenging Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party. Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau, has gained traction amidst voter concerns about external economic pressures, particularly from the U.S. Trump’s provocative remarks, including threats to make Canada the "51st state," have reshaped voter perceptions, notably diminishing Poilievre’s appeal after an initial polling lead, according to Indiatimes and Le Monde.

As the campaign unfolded, Carney's background as a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England has positioned him as a thoughtful leader with experience that some Canadians see as invaluable, particularly in light of the U.S.-Canada trade tensions. Experts indicate that many voters shifted their support towards Carney, who appeals to constituents seeking stability against external economic threats, as noted by analysts cited in NPR and Indiatimes.

Voter concerns vary significantly, with younger Canadians (aged 18 to 44) prioritizing affordability issues, especially in housing, while their older counterparts are more focused on healthcare and security. Approximately **43%** of younger voters emphasize housing as the pressing issue, reflecting dissatisfaction with soaring prices, paired with **39%** who express concern over U.S. relations. Conversely, older voters are more inclined to prioritize the sustainability of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS), as reported by Le Monde and NPR.

Additionally, defense spending has emerged as a consensus among the major parties, each pledging to meet NATO's 2% target of GDP. The Liberals and Conservatives have outlined significant investments in military infrastructure, while the NDP (New Democratic Party) has proposed alternative funding strategies. Carney's Liberals promise enhancements in clean energy and stark industrial carbon pricing, contrasting sharply with Poilievre’s platform, which includes eliminating carbon pricing altogether, according to Indiatimes and NPR.

With polls closing at approximately **9:30 p.m. ET**, Canadians will either reaffirm their support for the Liberals or pivot to the Conservative framework under Poilievre. The electoral system, akin to the UK's, requires voters to select local representatives from 343 constituencies, with the party winning the most seats invited to form the new government. Preliminary election results are expected on the same night, and final results verified by Elections Canada will emerge in the following days, according to Le Monde and Indiatimes.