With five days remaining until the election, today's news includes the Governor-General's attendance at the funeral for Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced he would not be attending the funeral due to the upcoming election. He stated that the country would be represented at a high level, with a senior delegation in attendance.
In Rome, Pope Francis's body was moved from his Vatican residence to St. Peter's Basilica, where he will lie in state for three days before burial. The Vatican News reported that over 20,000 people gathered to pay their respects.
Following the Pope's death, both Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre issued statements. Carney described the Pope as a figure of moral clarity and compassion, while Poilievre highlighted the Pope's impact on people of all faiths.
The weekend before the election presents a final opportunity for party leaders to make their closing arguments to voters before the election on Monday, April 28.
On the campaign trail, Pierre Poilievre defended the Conservative platform's economic projections during a news conference in Stoney Creek, Ontario. Jagmeet Singh, in Edmonton, stated his party's MPs had achieved more than the Conservative MPs from Alberta in the previous Parliament.
Other topics of discussion include the lessons learned from the Liberal leadership contest, the absence of a debate on healthcare among federal party leaders, and the lack of focus on climate action plans during the campaign.
Campaign events included Pierre Poilievre's news conference in Stoney Creek and a rally in Trenton, Nova Scotia. Elizabeth May attended an animal-protection debate and participated in various events in British Columbia. Jonathan Pedneault participated in a debate in Montreal. Mark Carney held events in British Columbia, and Jagmeet Singh campaigned in Edmonton and Winnipeg.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is co-chairing a G7 finance ministers and central-bank governors meeting in Washington.
A recent poll surveyed 1,220 Canadians.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, in Edmonton, expressed his determination despite challenging polling results.
Regarding voting procedures, Canadians are permitted to use pens to mark their ballots, in addition to the pencils provided by Elections Canada.
11 Comments
Matzomaster
Attending the funeral wouldn’t change the respect felt by Canadians. Staying focused on policy is key!
Karamba
Poor excuse by Carney. Attending the funeral should have been a priority over any campaign logic.
Rotfront
Totally understand Carney’s choice! Elections require undivided attention, especially with only days left.
Karamba
Wishing Carney had made it, but I respect the decision to stay concentrated on the election.
Rotfront
Good to see leaders like Singh pushing forward even in challenging polling times. It’s about perseverance!
Eugene Alta
Pope Francis would want leaders to engage with their people. Prioritizing the election is in line with that.
BuggaBoom
It makes sense for Carney to prioritize the election. His presence at the funeral wouldn’t change the outcome.
Noir Black
It’s disappointing that Prime Minister Carney is skipping such an important event. Seems like political ambition trumps respect for the Pope.
Katchuka
Canadians will be represented well at the funeral. It's good to see others taking on important roles.
KittyKat
People are mourning, and politicians are more interested in their campaigns. It’s disheartening.
Loubianka
Carney’s decision illustrates the seriousness of the upcoming election. He’s focused on what’s essential for Canada.