And they’re (almost) off!

The federal parties are putting the final touches on their election campaigns. What just recently seemed like an easy victory for the Conservatives is no longer so certain. This week, several public opinion polls had the Liberal ahead and in majority territory. 

Canada’s 45th general election will be an unexpectedly tight race.

This week on “It’s Political,” Toronto Star Ottawa bureau reporters unpack the strategies of the Liberals, Conservatives, NDP and Greens going into this campaign.

Then, three conservative former strategists join Althia to discuss leader Pierre Poilievre’s response to new Liberal Leader Mark Carney. Is Poilievre’s strategy working? Does it need to change?

In this episode: Melanie Paradis, the president of texture communications and a former deputy campaign director to former Conservative leader Erin O’Toole; Rudy Husny, a former Conservative leadership candidate and a former advisor in Stephen Harper’s government; Evan Menzies, a vice-president at Crestview Strategy and a former director of communications for the United Conservative Party of Alberta; as well as Toronto Star Ottawa reporters Raisa Patel, Ryan Tumilty and Mark Ramzy. Hosted by Althia Raj.

This episode of “It’s Political” was produced by Althia Raj and Kevin Sexton. Matt Hearn is our sound engineer. Our theme music is by Isaac Joel.

Some of the clips this week were sourced from CPAC, CTV, CBC and Fox News, and the Parliamentary Press Gallery.