Federal leaders make their case as election campaign begins

Canada’s 45th general election has been officially called.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney launched the campaign Sunday after meeting with Governor General Mary Simon, requesting the dissolution of Parliament and setting the election date for April 28th.

Speaking outside Rideau Hall after the meeting, Carney emphasized his focus on solutions rather than division and anger.

Carney did take many questions regarding the current trade war with the United States and did not mince words in responding.

Meantime, it didn’t take other federal leaders long to get in on the action.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre spoke to supporters on Sunday, and said it’s time for a change in Canada.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh says his party is the one that fights for the people of Canada the most, regardless of who has been in power in Canada.

In Ontario, voter turnout in federal elections consistently surpasses that of provincial elections. Over the last four federal elections, turnout has exceeded 60 percent, with the highest recent participation recorded in the 2015 election.

In Niagara there are four seats, two that are held by the Liberal Party (St. Catharines, Chris Bittle & Niagara South, Vance Badawey) and two that are held by the Conservative Party (Niagara Falls/NOTL, Tony Baldinelli & Niagara West, Dean Allison). In the coming weeks, we’ll have riding profiles highlighting each of the candidates in all four ridings.

The 45th federal general election is set for Monday, April 28. Advance polling will take place on Friday, April 18; Saturday, April 19; Sunday, April 20; and Monday, April 21.

(Written by: Chris Soares)