At midday on Sunday, Prime Minister Mark Carney asked Governor-General Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament and begin an election campaign. Canadians are heading to the polls to elect the next federal government on Monday, April 28.

Three months ago, this election was the Conservatives’ to lose. But polling has Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney neck and neck. The race is set to be one of the most unpredictable – and important – elections in recent memory. U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and threats of annexation loom large as Canada fights to affirm its place in the international order.

Campbell Clark is The Globe and Mail’s chief political writer, and he’s on the show to explain where the parties are, what’s at stake, and why this election is so important.

Questions? Comments? Ideas? E-mail us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com