Carney to call snap election Sunday: Ottawa voters preparing to head to the polls

With a federal election set to begin this weekend, CTV’s Kimberley Johnson speaks with Ottawa voters about their priorities for the candidates.

Ottawa voters are preparing to head to the polls with news Prime Minister Mark Carney could call a snap election as of Sunday.

There are many issues top of mind – for those like Enzo Medhlia he says it’s Canadian sovereignty.

“It seems right now it’s kind of a wake-up call,” he said.

For him, that’s everything from the economy to Donald Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the so-called 51st state and national identity.

“I think, always assumed that Americans would be there to protect the Arctic, for example, for us,” he said. “And it suddenly I think it’s not there anymore. So, it’s building up our military presence in the in the Arctic.”

New Nanos polling shows nationally fighting back against Donald Trump and tariffs are topping the minds of voters at more than 26 per cent.

“To see Mark Carney resolve the Trump issue. We don’t need that,” said Ottawa voter George Brown. “And the inflation has gone up. I want to see something done about that.”

A feeling shared by many – Jobs and the economy follow at 16.7 per cent.

Picking out staples on a shopping trip like shampoo and conditioner, Johnathan Vein says he would like to see more things produced in Canada.

“I think it’s about time that us as Canadians start taking our own future seriously and start manufacturing here in Canada,” he said.

With three kids, Melanie Styles says party platforms on the environment will be closely watched.

Since Trudeau’s resignation and U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration, the Liberals have seen a surge in many polls. According to the latest Nanos Research survey – released Tuesday – the Conservatives are leading by just one point with 35 per cent of federal voting intention, while the Liberals sit at 34 per cent.