Federal Election 2025

Dr. Daniel Westlake, a political scientist at the University of Saskatchewan, explained the history of the province’s federal politics, including how past trade wars have influenced Sask voters, but said there’s very little chance that the Conservative Party will lose any seats here. 

Branden Leslie, the current Member of Parliament for Portage-Lisgar and Conservative candidate in the 2025 Canadian Federal Election was quick out of the gate, immediately announcing his intentions to run in the federal election now underway.

Leslie outlined his vision for a stronger, more self-reliant Canada. Leslie discussed improving water infrastructure, modernizing workforce training, tackling economic challenges, and enhancing public safety, all while defending the values of rural communities.

Noel Gautron is once again the People's Party of Canada (PPC) candidate for Provencher.

Gautron says the first time he ran for the PPC was for a Winnipeg riding in 2019, then ran again in 2021 for Provencher.

"A bit about myself: (I'm a) firearms enthusiast, classic car lover, and small business owner," he says, adding the reason he got into politics was to offer better political representation.

There are several issues top of mind for him as he takes to the campaign trail.

For the second day in a row, Liberal Leader Mark Carney has been pulled away from campaigning to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs. 

Carney, in his role as prime minister, will meet virtually with Canada's premiers today to discuss the country's response to Trump's latest duties.

The president signed an executive order earlier this week to implement 25 per cent levies on all automobile and auto part imports — his latest move to upend global trade through a massive tariff agenda that pushed some automakers' stock prices down on Thursday.

Former Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall is urging trade diversification in the face of American uncertainty.

While a lot of focus in the federal election campaign has been on dealings with U.S. President Donald Trump, Wall doesn't know if anyone is really prepared for Trump's approach.

"Either are going to be as able as the other one to deal with the President," Wall said. "It changes every day. I'm not sure if there's anybody including people in the President's own administration who are ready for that kind of volatility and the changes we've seen.

We spoke with Dr. Daniel Westlake, a USask faculty member in political science, about what drives polling shifts and how quickly polls can change — he said Canadians have switched focus from anger at an incumbent government to concern with tariffs and American hostility. 

The federal election campaign is in full swing with party leaders crisscrossing the country asking for residents' votes.

The Bow River riding is no exception, and as of March 27, the riding currently has three candidates vying to be the next Member of Parliament, (MP) with farmer David Bexte running for the Conservative Party of Canada, construction worker Louisa Gwin for the New Democratic Party, and financial planner and accountant Tom Lipp for the Christian Heritage Party.

Incumbent Member of Parliament Blake Richards with the Conservative Party of Canada has officially filed his nomination papers for re-election for the Airdrie-Cochrane riding.

Richards has represented Airdrie and Cochrane since he was first elected in 2008.

"It's always humbling to put your name on the ballot," explained Richards. "'I've worked hard for the people of our area, and it's always been an honour to represent our communities and our people within them."

He went on to share how excited he is to campaign over the next month leading up to the election.

Conservative Blake Richards is filing his nomination today at the Airdrie office for Elections Canada for his sixth federal election.

He was first elected in 2008 in what was then the Wild Rose riding. He's seeking re-election in what has become the Airdrie-Cochrane riding. Throughout his tenure, he has represented Cochrane in the House of Commons.

Most recently, he served as Conservative shadow minister for Veterans Affairs.

Liberal Leader Mark Carney is back in Ottawa today to deal with the fallout of new auto tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. 

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Carney said he was suspending his campaign plans for the day and would return to Ottawa to hold a meeting of the Canada-U.S. cabinet committee.

It's unclear when Carney will be back on the road to continue campaigning.