Day 3 of Advance Polls: How Liberals in Ottawa and NDP & Conservatives in B.C. Are Shaping the Election Landscape

OTTAWA – As advance polls opened, Canadians flocked to cast their votes, while federal leaders campaigned in key spots like British Columbia and the capital. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre started his day at a grocery store in Surrey, B.C., focusing on inflation.

Poilievre argued that cutting government spending could help lower prices. He proposed a $10 billion reduction in the federal budget for consultants. “Inflation happens when governments overspend and print money they don’t have,” he said. He pointed out that more cash chasing a limited supply of goods leads to higher prices.

According to Statistics Canada, the national inflation rate slightly decreased to 2.3 percent in March, but food prices rose by 3.2 percent since last year. This reflects ongoing struggles for many families, especially with rising grocery costs.

In response, Liberal Leader Mark Carney promoted his party’s platform, which calls for an additional $129 billion in spending over the next four years. He argued that these investments would help Canada become more self-reliant, especially in light of the current trade tensions with the U.S.

Poilievre criticized Carney’s past as governor of the Bank of England, blaming him for the recent inflation crisis in the UK. Carney led the Bank from 2013 to 2020, navigating economic challenges including COVID-19, which disrupted economies globally and contributed to inflation peaking in both Canada and the UK in 2022.

On gun control, when asked about maintaining the freeze on handgun purchases, Poilievre didn’t give a clear answer. He believes most handguns come from the U.S. and suggested targeting traffickers to reduce violence, rather than lifting the freeze. Registered guns purchased before the freeze can still be owned, but transferring them is restricted.

Despite answering some questions from the media, Poilievre sidestepped inquiries about the Conservatives’ detailed election platform, which remains pending. In contrast, the NDP revealed its costed campaign plans recently, putting pressure on the Conservatives to do the same.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh was also active in B.C., addressing the rising cost of living during a visit with a family in Victoria. He reiterated his proposals to cap prices on essential foods and protect consumers from price gouging in grocery stores. Singh positioned his party as the choice for those worried about potential cuts under a Liberal government.

British Columbia has emerged as a critical area in this election, with polls indicating a competitive race between Liberal and Conservative candidates in traditionally NDP strongholds. Singh encouraged supporters to vote for the NDP to counter Conservative prospects in the region.

Carney, running for a seat in Nepean, organized a rally later that day. With advance polling nearing its end, Elections Canada noted nearly two million Canadians voted on the first day alone, reflecting high engagement and long lines at some polling stations.

This election season has seen various shifts in public opinion as parties vie for critical support, especially in battleground areas like B.C. Voter turnout and the voices of everyday Canadians will play a major role in shaping the future of the country.

For more information about Canada’s economic situation, see [Statistics Canada](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/subjects/economy). This economic data is vital as it reflects the conditions voters are grappling with as they head to the polls.

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national, business, economy, politics, cost of living, new democratic party, conservative party of canada, liberal party of canada, british columbia, government, elections, political events, democracy, accountability, pierre poilievre, jagmeet singh, inflation, bc united, early voting