How soon could an election be called? Not soon enough for the Conservatives

By Pepper Parr

March 14^th, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Lots of talk about a federal election soon soon.  Are the Liberals ready for an election?  Do they have enough money in the bank?  More importantly – do they have a full roster of candidates?  The answer to that one is  – No!

There will be an election and it will take place as soon as everyone is ready.

Rumours suggest the election call could come as early as Sunday, but one Liberal cabinet minister speaking anonymously on background to discuss election timing said that would be too soon.

The minister pointed out that the party still lacks many candidates, including in ridings where the party would have a strong chance of winning.

Last month, International Trade Minister Mary Ng announced she would not be running in her Markham-Thornhill riding, which she won handily in the last election. Just last week, Women’s Minister Marci Ien, who won her Toronto-Centre riding with more than 50 per cent of the vote, said she would not be running again.

The Liberals have only two candidates in Saskatchewan’s 14 ridings and just seven people nominated in Alberta, where 34 ridings are up for grabs. They have only one named candidate in Newfoundland, and less than half of Quebec’s seats have a Liberal candidate in place.

Before the leadership race, party sources told the Toronto Star the Liberal campaign was fully funded and about 70 per cent ready. The Liberals have 170 candidates in place according to party spokesperson Parker Lund, the fewest out of the three major parties.

The Conservatives have at least 246 candidates nominated, according to the latest update on their website, while the NDP has nominated 188 candidates as of Wednesday. The Green Party, meanwhile, has nominated 190 candidates so far.  There are 338 seats in the House of Commons.

There is a lot of on the ground organizing to be done before asking the Governor General to call an election.

Before 11:00 am Justin Trudeau will formally resign as Prime Minister.  Immediately after that the Governor General will swear in Mark Carney as Prime Minister and then his Cabinet.