The city of Ottawa is finding itself front and centre of this federal election campaign, with the leaders of both the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party hanging their hats in the nation’s capital.
The latest polling indicates that for the first time in more than 150 years, since Sir John A. Macdonald, it’s likely the next prime minister will be elected in Ottawa.
Liberal leader Mark Carney is vying for his first seat in the House of Commons in the riding of Nepean, days after longtime Liberal MP Chandra Arya had his nomination for re-election revoked.
“I don’t think they’ve been very transparent on why he’s leaving and Carney’s coming in. I think they should be more transparent, but I’m ok with it,” said Nepean resident, Jennifer Mohring.
Carney’s new battleground borders the riding of Carleton where Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is running for the eighth time, having served as MP since 2004.
“I think Pierre Poilievre would do the job. Pierre lived here the whole time, so he knows what’s going on,” said Nepean resident, Lovelock Ackah.
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says he’s looking forward to working with whoever is elected.
“I want to work with the federal government on making sure that Ottawa’s economy remains strong, that we find ways to diversify our economy,” Sutcliffe said.
As trade tensions with the U.S. heat up from President Donald Trump’s tariffs and threats to Canada’s sovereignty, some voters on the fence from the uncertainty.
“The partial truths we are getting from Carney and the confusion we are getting from Poilievre, so it’s hard to determine who will be the best one to take on Trump,” said Carleton riding resident, Robert Marquis.
Voters will head to the polls to make their choice on April 28.
“It’s time. We need to go to the polls so we can get something in place to counter our unfriendly neighbours in the south,” said Nepean riding resident Brian Graham.
