• Canada's federal election sees influence from U.S. President Trump's comments on annexation.
• Trump suggests Canada should become the "cherished 51st state" amid election campaigning.
• Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre firmly rejects Trump's proposal, emphasizing Canadian sovereignty.
• Mark Carney, the new Liberal leader, gains traction as a trustworthy candidate against Trump's threats.
• Recent polls have drastically shifted, showing a potential Liberal victory despite early Conservative leads.

As Canada votes in a pivotal federal election, President Donald Trump's suggestion for Canada to become the "cherished 51st state" has strongly influenced the political atmosphere. With Trump declaring, “Good luck to the Great people of Canada,” his remarks have aimed to steer the Canadian electoral choice toward leaders who align with his vision of U.S.-Canada relations, linking economic benefits to annexation, according to SCMP and Dawn.

Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, responded vehemently to Trump's remarks, stating, "President Trump, stay out of our election. The only people who will decide the future of Canada are Canadians at the ballot box." Poilievre underscored that Canada will "always be proud, sovereign and independent and we will NEVER be the 51st state," illustrating a strong stance against foreign influence during the election, as reported by India Times and HuffPost.

Former investment banker Mark Carney, the newly appointed Liberal leader and Prime Minister, capitalized on unease regarding Trump’s threats. He has argued for the necessity of revitalizing Canada’s economy to reduce dependency on the U.S., stating, “The US under Trump wants to break us, so they can own us,” emphasizing the need for strong leadership against such pressures. This position has garnered support from voters who see him as the best candidate to confront Trump's policies, according to ABC News and Newsweek.

Polls indicate a dramatic shift in voter sentiment, with the Liberal Party recovering from a 20-point deficit earlier in the year to lead the Conservatives. Recent aggregators show the Liberals at 42.8% compared to the Conservatives' 38.8%, hinting at a potential turnaround in Canadian political fortune, a notable change that could significantly alter the governmental landscape, according to SCMP and India Times.