Leaders stop in London for final stretch of campaign

As the federal election comes to a close, two leaders were in the Forest City Friday to campaign. CTV’s Bryan Bicknell reports.

The road to Canada’s Parliament must run through London. Two of the three major party leaders made stops in the Forest City Friday evening.

Both NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Liberal leader Mark Carney are scheduled for stops in London to rally troops. London Centre Liberal incumbent Peter Fragiskatos said it shows how important this region is to forming the next government.

“Donald Trump could sink our economy, particularly in southwestern Ontario. Thinking about how trade-dependent it is. We’re talking about at least ten thousand jobs that could be lost in London alone if Trump has his way. And so, Mark Carney coming here today, second visit in just a few weeks, shows how seriously he takes southwestern Ontario, and understanding the importance of trade to a regional economy and the city’s economy,” said Fragiskatos.

London West NDP incumbent Lindsay Mathyssen said a leader’s visit is a morale booster.

“This is what leaders do. They come through, they want to shore up that base, they want to show that excitement that we all have. My people have been working so hard, and for him to come and rally the troops at the end, that means a lot to them,” said Mathyssen.

It’s the second time that both Carney and Singh have visited London during this election. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre held a big rally in London earlier in the campaign.

Voters CTV News spoke with say there’s too much at stake in this election to sit this one out.

“Everyone is struggling right now, and very little chances for getting a nice job. Kind of the new government is going to have a big challenge because ahead of what is happening right now with the tariff,” said voter Arturo Araque.

“To me, the biggest issue by far is the economy, housing, groceries, everything,” said voter Rose Orr. “People are getting wrapped up in, you know, Trump shouldn’t want to take over Canada. Absolutely true, but I don’t think it’s as critical as the economy. I think we’re losing that in this election.”