Affordability concerns were at the forefront of Saturday’s federal election campaign, with the NDP focusing on controlling food costs and the Conservatives proposing expanded tax relief for tradespeople. As the first week of the campaign ended, both Liberal Leader Mark Carney and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh made appearances in Ottawa, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre campaigned in Winnipeg.
Jagmeet Singh visited a food bank in Ottawa Centre and pledged to implement emergency price caps on essential food items such as pasta, frozen vegetables, and infant formula. He also called for higher taxes on the profits of grocery giants and tighter competition rules. Singh said these measures would not require federal subsidies but could be enforced with minimal public-service hours. Framing the proposal as a response to inflation and uncertainty from U.S. tariffs under President Donald Trump, Singh accused grocery corporations of exploiting Canadians with inflated prices.
Meanwhile, Poilievre, at a rally in Winnipeg, vowed to extend travel-related tax writeoffs for tradespeople who commute more than 120 km for work. The Conservative plan includes allowing full claims for expenses such as food, transport, and lodging, and eliminating tax writeoffs for luxury corporate jets — instead limiting deductions to commercial or necessary charter flights. Poilievre framed his promise as part of a broader push for “tax fairness” and empowering Canadian workers.
However, Poilievre’s campaign has faced criticism — even from within Conservative ranks — for not pivoting to directly address Trump’s sweeping tariffs and their effect on Canadian sovereignty. Political strategist Kory Teneycke likened the campaign’s strategy to ignoring clear warning signs, arguing that the Conservatives are missing the mood of voters who are more focused on trade threats and economic instability.
Poilievre said he intends to respond strongly to any U.S. tariffs but quickly shifted the focus back to blaming the Liberals for “anti-energy” laws that he claims have weakened Canada’s economy. He emphasized the need to “take back control” by reshoring production, developing resources, and building a resilient domestic economy.
Liberal Leader Mark Carney spent the day in Nepean, visiting his campaign office and meeting volunteers. Carney has responded more directly to the shifting economic landscape, altering his campaign schedule to address rising concerns over Trump’s tariff agenda. Earlier in the week, he announced a $2 billion support fund for the auto industry and unveiled a $5 billion infrastructure program to boost national development projects.
Carney also had his first phone call with Trump on Friday, though no relief on auto tariffs was secured. He reiterated that retaliatory tariffs were on the table should the U.S. not honour its trade commitments.
Carney’s candidacy in Nepean follows the removal of former Liberal MP Chandra Arya, who was ousted just three days before the election was called. Though the party has remained vague about the reasons, Arya was previously criticized for an unauthorized trip to India and barred from running for party leadership earlier this year due to alleged rule violations.
At his campaign stop, Carney kept the tone light and cheerful, joking with volunteers and thanking them for their support, stating, “Who is ready to stand up?” — before playfully adding, “Who is ready to put back the Carney signs?” after one was knocked over.
