The NDP’s national campaign director has sent a memo to all candidates and campaign staff warning them to be prepared for a snap federal election as early as March 10.
CBC obtained a copy of the memo titled “Election timing and planning,” sent on Wednesday to about 140 nominated candidates and their organizing teams.
“It is becoming more and more likely that Mark Carney will be the next Liberal leader on March 9th,” Jennifer Howard, who is leading the NDP’s 2025 federal campaign, wrote in the memo.
“If Mark Carney does win the leadership, we are hearing from many Ottawa sources that he intends on calling an election shortly after becoming Liberal leader.”
The memo states that Parliament needs to return, given U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to Canadian sovereignty and the economic threat of tariffs. It also notes that none of the Liberal leadership candidates have contacted any opposition leaders to discuss emergency legislation to deal with Trump and cushion the blow to Canadians.
“On that basis, we believe the rumours of Mr. Carney calling a snap election are credible,” the memo states. “Taking a page from Doug Ford’s playbook, the Liberals believe that they can turn this crisis into a political benefit for them.”
Key NDP issues include cost of living, access to doctor
CBC’s poll tracker shows support for Conservatives softening and a modest bump in Canadians backing the Liberals. It also shows some weakening of support for the NDP.
In the memo, first obtained by the Globe and Mail, Howard tells campaign teams she is “confident” NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and their candidates can offer “a real progressive choice in this election.”
The note suggests that the key issues that will define the New Democrat campaign are cost of living, timely access to a doctor and framing the Conservatives and Liberals as working for “billionaire CEOs,” while NDP MPs focus on issues that matter for working people and families.
It also states that the party will have a plan to fight climate change, create jobs and work with Indigenous communities to “realize true justice and reconciliation.”
Freeland says early election is not ‘ideal’
In spite of the NDP’s warnings, Liberal leadership candidate Chrystia Freeland said going to polls right after a new party leader is chosen is not “ideal.”
She told Radio-Canada that, with Trump’s threat to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum on March 12, it is important to have a fully functioning government that can defend Canada’s interests.
She suggested if Carney, her main rival, wins, he would not be able lead the government’s efforts because unlike her, he does not hold a seat in the House of Commons. Â
“One of the advantages I have is that I am a member of Parliament today,” she said. “I was elected four times. So after March 9, I will have the right to stand up in the House of Commons and to represent the government.”
