Amidst a backdrop of global uncertainty, millions of Canadians are stepping up to the polls this long weekend, as federal party leaders ramp up their last-minute campaigns ahead of a crucial election.

With just a week left, party leaders are hustling to convince voters why their policy visions are the best for Canada's future during these tumultuous times. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is pushing a bold message of change, while Liberal Leader Mark Carney focuses on the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump's policies and the impact on Canada-U.S. relations.

Elections Canada has reported a staggering nearly two million ballots were cast on the very first day of advance voting—a record number suggesting a closely contested race ahead. On Sunday, the agency confirmed strong turnout continued throughout the weekend, with 720,654 mail-in ballots returned by late Saturday.

Political analyst Alex Marland from Acadia University highlighted this surge in civic engagement, attributing it to a rising awareness of international issues and a renewed sense of responsibility among voters. "It's refreshing to see Canadians taking active interest in their elections," he remarked.

For the leaders, this week marks a full return to the campaign stage following a series of debates in Montreal. Poilievre will kick off the final stretch with events in Toronto, notably a rally set for Tuesday evening in Vaughan—a key area for the Conservatives.

Meanwhile, Carney is set to make his rounds in Atlantic Canada before targeting critical Liberal strongholds. His goal? To reclaim seats held by conservatives and the NDP in pivotal regions like Vancouver Island and the Greater Toronto Area.

At a recent rally in Nepean, where he is contesting a parliamentary seat, Carney emphasized his key proposals, including tax cuts and increased government support for vital infrastructure. He portrayed the election as a stark choice between the candidates capable of standing up to Trump's economic policies.

On the other hand, Poilievre is campaigning on an agenda that promises significant cuts, including $10 billion in consultant costs, arguing that high government spending fuels inflation. He asserts that his plan for accelerating natural resource development could generate $70 billion in revenue.

However, Carney's ambitious spending proposals—amounting to nearly $130 billion over four years—have drawn criticism, raising questions about his viability as a centrist. Poilievre has seized on this to argue that Carney’s plans would lead to inflated costs for Canadians.

Pollster Nik Nanos notes that while Carney still has a healthy lead as the preferred Prime Minister, sharp regional divides persist—Liberals are favored in Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada, while Western Canadians lean Conservative. According to Nanos Research, the latest polls show the Liberals at 43% support, ahead of the Conservatives at 37% and the NDP at 11%.

In Halifax, a once solid NDP bastion, early voter Abbey Frias explained her choice was swayed by her family's needs as immigrants, highlighting a broader desire for representation and care for marginalized communities. "We need leaders who understand and prioritize our health concerns," she stressed.

As the election draws ever closer, the atmosphere is thick with anticipation—who will rise to the top when the dust settles?