2025 Federal Election: How to navigate the rocky and chaotic election year?

To say 2025 has kicked off with a rocky start in the political world would be an understatement. Early on, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced to the nation that he had resigned as party leader and prime minister. On top of that, President-elect Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States of America and joked with Trudeau that Canada should be a 51st State (no thank you).

All the while, Trump threatens to imposes a 25 per cent tariff on Canada and Mexico, and the Conservative Party of Canada has a commanding lead in the polls.

The cherry on top is that Canada is geared to have its election. The question, however, is when? It’s been 10 years since Justin Trudeau came into power as Canadians voted for real change. A lot has happened since, including:

• Significant funding for transit projects
• The Paris Climate Accord
• The COVID-19 Pandemic
• And so much more!

And we can’t forget that inflation and the cost of living are at an all-time high.

My goal with this article is to delve into how each political party uses its communication plan to sway voters and the rise of misinformation.

Conservative Party of Canada

The Conservative Party of Canada, under the leadership of Pierre Poilievre, has seen a massive lead in polls because of issues Canadians face, such as cost of living, housing, crime, and the Carbon Tax.

One of the many tactics Poilievre uses is social media such as launching a YouTube channel where he attacks Justin Trudeau on numerous policies and issues from axing the carbon tax, captain gains tax to reckless spending. Poilievre is always on the offensive and either comes across that divisive rhetoric or to the point. Depending on who you ask. It’s not just Poillievre that uses YouTube to get a big audience. Conservative MP Andrew Scheer and Conservative MP Melissa Lantsman also use YouTube to attack the Liberal Party on their policies, given how the Conservative Party has shifted far right on the political spectrum, which mirrors the Republican Party south of the border.

Another tactic that the Conservative Party uses is new conferences. Poilievre announces his platform and what he will do differently to make it easier for Canadians. All the while attacking Trudeau on his policies.

The Conservative Party’s third tactic is trekking across Canada, having town halls discussing issues that Canadians face.

New Democratic Party (NDP)

The NDP, led by Jagmeet Singh, pitches voters as the party that actually cares about Canadians, from the wealthy paying taxes to improving healthcare. They even formed a coalition with the Liberal party, accomplishing the national dental care plan and free diabetic medication. They were even credited for the COVID-19 stimulus, such as the CESB (Canadian Emergency Student Benefit).

One of the tactics the NDP uses is social media. Jagmeet Singh has been at the forefront, telling Canadians that the policies he and the party have been advocating for Canadians. Singh also calls out the Liberals and Conservatives, saying they appeal to corporations.

Liberal Party of Canada

The Liberal party is in search of a new leader, and the race is down to three: former Governor of the Bank of Canada Mark Carney, former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, and former Liberal cabinet minister Karina Gould, with an election looming this year and when it will be held. Only one can lead the party.

Social media is one of the tactics these candidates will use in their tool belt. It’s an important tool to pitch and present to Canadians who they are and why they are the best candidate to lead the party.

Another tactic is to add a human touch to it. When I was in the final semester of the Public Relations program, I was taught in campaigns that adding a human face can resonate with a cause or a campaign. Why? It’s to hear their story. It’s to see their issues and how a candidate’s policy can help them.

My final thoughts

The 2025 Federal Election is going to be divisive and chaotic. All three political parties are preparing to use every arsenal in their toolkit. Ten years ago may be a long time but times have changed.