Ruling party was deeply unpopular but threat of US tariffs combined with prospect of new leader spurs rise in polls

Summary

Canada’s Liberals have surged in polls, reversing a 26-point deficit amid anti-Trump sentiment and concerns over U.S. tariffs.

Three recent surveys show the party nearly tied with the Conservatives, who previously led decisively.

The Liberals, set to choose a new leader on March 9, have benefited from campaign ads linking Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to Trump.

With an election required by October 20 but possibly sooner, both major parties face a likely minority government. Liberal leadership contenders advocate strong countermeasures against Trump’s trade policies.