London, England — The longstanding reputation of Canadians for their politeness is now intertwined with a sense of urgency among expatriates voting in Canada’s upcoming elections. As they prepare their postal ballots, many express a heightened, almost defiant resolve to contribute to a pivotal moment in their homeland’s political landscape.
For Sarah Helppi, a 44-year-old Toronto native who now resides in London, casting her vote is more than an obligation; it is a rejection of external pressures, especially those from U.S. officials. “If you mess with Canadians, we’ll hit back,” Helppi declared after submitting her ballot for what she believes is the most consequential election of her lifetime. After living in the U.K. for a dozen years, this is her first experience voting by mail in Canada. She cited the need for strong leadership to navigate the challenges posed by U.S. tariffs and threats of annexation.
Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, is leading the polls as the Liberal party’s prime ministerial candidate. Though he is new to the political arena, voters like Helppi see him as the leader capable of redefining Canada’s economic trajectory away from U.S. dominance.
The race sees Carney contending primarily against Pierre Poilievre, the Conservative leader. While five parties were previously represented in Parliament, voter focus has narrowed to a duel between these two dominant figures. Nathalie Cook, a 29-year-old teacher from Ottawa who now lives in London, believes that it’s primarily a contest between Carney and Poilievre. “This feels like the most significant election I’ve ever participated in,” Cook remarked.
Cook, who traditionally supports the left-leaning New Democratic Party, opted for a tactical vote this time, aligning with the Liberals due to what she perceives as an existential threat posed by Poilievre’s populism. “It was a tough choice,” she noted. “My values align more closely with the NDP, but it’s crucial to prevent real harm right now.”
Supporters of Poilievre are reevaluating their positions as well. Richard Beard, a 30-year-old working in the energy sector, indicated that several friends who usually vote Conservative are considering the Liberals this election. “I lean more towards Poilievre ideologically, but this election isn’t just about beliefs. It’s about understanding who can effectively manage the challenges ahead.”
Records indicate that over 7.3 million Canadians have already voted early, representing a notable surge compared to previous elections. Stephen Bateman, a consultant who has lived in the U.K. for three years, cited the increased participation as a reflection of a pressing issue: Canadian identity. “This election highlights a kind of respectful nationalism,” he explained.
This renewed sense of identity has manifested notably in the travel sector, where trips between Canada and the U.S. have significantly declined. As Troy Aharonian, an account director, noted, people feel their national integrity is at stake. “When there’s a sense of being attacked, it creates a rally-around-the-flag sentiment,” Aharonian said, adding that he wouldn’t contemplate traveling to the U.S. anytime soon.
The collective mood among expatriates illustrates a complex blend of hope and concern about Canada’s future. While they maintain an image of politeness, Canadians abroad are prepared to assert their values and defend their national interests, emphasizing that their country holds significant worth and should not be undermined.