Record-breaking 7.3m Canadians vote early in federal election

More than 7 million Canadians have voted early in the federal election, setting a new record for advance voter turnout, according to Elections Canada.

Advance polling stations were open nationwide for four days over the Easter long weekend, with poll workers noting long lines and two million ballots cast on the first day alone.

With less than a week until election day on April 28, federal leaders are in the final stages of campaigning.

Elections Canada reported that 7.3 million Canadians, approximately a quarter of eligible voters, have already voted, marking a 25% increase from early voting in the previous election.

Mail-in voting has also seen an increase, with over 754,000 special ballots returned to the federal agency, surpassing the 660,000 from the last election.

Recent polls show the Liberal party leading the main opposition Conservative party by 5 points as the campaign nears its end.

Liberal leader Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre have been actively campaigning in various regions, with Carney emphasizing his party's ability to address trade issues with the US.

President Trump's tariffs on Canadian goods have been a focal point, with Carney accusing Poilievre of lacking a plan to confront Trump's policies.

The US has imposed significant tariffs on Canadian products, impacting sectors like steel, aluminum, and automobiles, leading to temporary job losses in Canada.

A win for the Liberals would signify a significant turnaround from their low polling numbers earlier in the year, while the Conservatives have campaigned on promises of change after nine years under Trudeau's leadership.

The Bloc Quebecois and the New Democratic Party are trailing behind the two main parties, with the Bloc advocating for Quebec separatism and the NDP focusing on left-leaning policies.