Know This: Election Edition #1

In this edition

• Snap election breakdown

• A quick glance at the platforms by party

• What the trade war means for you

• Maple fudge brownies because #elbowsup

A word from the ParentsCanada team

Here’s what we know about busy parents leading up to an election: You want to be informed but you don’t have time to really dig into the issues. You want to cast your vote with your family in mind. You don’t care about the mud-slinging that tends to come with political campaigns (you have more pressing stuff to worry about!). Here’s where we come in. Starting this week and for the next two Thursdays, we’ll give you a bird’s-eye view of the political landscape, to help you head to the polls on April 28 with confidence.

Let us do the homework, so you can do what you do best: Show up and make it count.

Jane Bradley
President, ParentsCanada

THE BIG STORY

Canada Heads to the Polls Amid U.S. Tensions

What's Happening

Prime Minister Mark Carney has called a snap election for April 28, just weeks after taking office. (Quick civics lesson: Justin Trudeau stepped down when his party, the Liberal Party of Canada, elected Carney as their new leader in late March. This is how the Canadian government is set up, so Carney’s appointment as Prime Minister is just protocol.) This comes as Canada faces heightened tensions with the U.S., including ongoing trade unrest and President Donald Trump’s provocative remarks about annexing Canada to become the U.S.’s 51st state.

What You Need to Know

Carney, a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, is running on a strong mandate to address U.S. tensions and aid in Canada’s economic recovery. His platform includes focusing on innovation, strengthening trade relationships and investing in green technologies to secure a sustainable future. His main opponent, career politician and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, is focusing on affordability, inflation and restoring national pride. Other candidates include NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, who is advocating for stronger social programs, Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet, who is focusing on Quebec's autonomy, and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, who is championing climate action, environmental protection and sustainable development.

Why It Matters to Families

The outcome of this election could influence policies on childcare, education and family benefits. Parents should consider how each party plans to tackle rising costs and maintain Canada’s independence in the face of external threats.

THE EXPLAINER

The Platforms of Canada’s Big Three Political Parties

Below is a chart summarizing the key policies of the three parties currently holding the top three positions in the polls (as of today—since the policies and the polls are always evolving). Disclaimer: We know that political policies are complicated and nuanced, but there’s no way we can get into the nitty gritty in less than 1000 words (you probably wouldn’t want to read it anyway!). So we’re aiming to give you a snapshot of how each party’s policies will affect parents, grandparents and children.

THE HOT BUTTON

Trade War Update: What Trump’s Tariffs Mean for Canadians

What’s Happening

President Trump has announced sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods, including a 25 percent tax on steel, aluminum and auto parts, which came into effect on April 3. (Trump has imposed even steeper tariffs on other countries, but he has since rolled some of them back. The flip-flopping is making global economics experts spiral like never before.) In response, Canada imposed counter-tariffs on a range of U.S. products, escalating the trade tension between the two countries.

What You Need to Know

These tariffs will almost certainly lead to higher prices for a variety of everyday products, from cars to household items, as both Canadian and U.S. businesses are caught in the crossfire. Industries that rely on cross-border trade, like manufacturing, could face disruptions, potentially reducing demand for Canadian exports and putting jobs at risk. This trade war could also fuel inflation, further squeezing families on both sides of the border.

Why It Matters to Families

Higher prices at grocery stores, gas stations and on major purchases could impact household budgets. Additionally, potential job cuts in industries hit by tariffs may add financial stress. Supporting Canadian-made products could help cushion some of these blows and strengthen local industries, contributing to long-term economic resilience for Canadians.

THE CHATTER

Why Hudson’s Bay is Closing

What’s Happening

Hudson’s Bay Company (HBC)—Canada’s oldest retailer, founded in 1670—is closing nearly all of its 96 stores and its online platform after failing to secure financing to rescue its floundering operations. Liquidation sales have begun and could last up to 12 weeks. The closure follows financial mismanagement and mounting debt; the HBC filed for creditor protection in March 2025.

What You Need to Know

• All gift cards are now void.

• Liquidation sales are happening at all closing stores, with some deep discounts on offer.

• More than 9,300 employees will lose their jobs, with severances uncertain.

• Vacant anchor spaces in malls could hurt foot traffic and other retailers (think about how huge some of the Bay stores are, across Canada!).

Why It Matters to Families

The closure of Hudson’s Bay could have wide-reaching effects on families from coast to coast. Thousands of employees will face job losses, including many who have worked at the company for decades, and suppliers may also feel the financial strain. Families who relied on Hudson’s Bay for affordable essentials will need to find alternative retailers.

The closure also marks the loss of a cultural staple for older generations, who have fond memories of going to The Bay with their own parents and grandparents. The combined economic and emotional toll of losing such an iconic brand will be felt across communities.

THE TREAT

#ElbowsUp Maple Fudge Brownies

Is there a flavour more quintessentially Canadian than maple? (It’s on our flag, for heaven’s sake!) We say there’s no treat more fitting for this time than a maple brownie with maple frosting, clearly meant to be made with local maple syrup. It’s sugar bush season, so get out there and #BuyCanadian.

Rate today’s email

This month’s newsletter was written by Jane Bradley, edited by Katie Dupuis and designed by Tinker Solution.