Cost of living, Canada's sovereignty among top election issues for Londoners

With Canada's federal election officially underway, some London, Ont., residents have highlighted issues that are top of mind for them which they want the country's next government to prioritize.

Londoners who spoke to CBC News say they want the next prime minister to stand up to U.S. President Donald Trump's trade war and threats to Canada's sovereignty, curb the high cost of living, make trading easier among provinces and focus on the environment. 

"One of the biggest issues is basically the security of Canada, as well as our future. We're a little concerned just the way the markets have gone, groceries and housing, it's unaffordable for the average family," said Brandon Montague, who expressed worry for his young daughter's future.

On Sunday, nine days after being sworn in as Canada's prime minister, Liberal Leader Mark Carney visited Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to dissolve Parliament and triggered a snap election. Voters will head to the polls on April 28. 

The 36-day campaign, the shortest allowed under the law, is largely expected to focus on how the leaders will take on Trump's tariffs and his threats of annexing Canada to make it a 51st U.S. state. 

"There seems to be a lot at stake because if [Trump] goes after our economy any more, it's going to be even more disastrous than it already is, so we really need a strong leader who can match Trump and at least come to some sort of agreement so things don't get worse," Montague said.  

Just a few months ago, polls suggested Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre was destined for a majority government. But the political landscape has been turned upside down since former prime minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation and Carney replaced him.

Now, for the first time in nearly three years, the Liberals — seeking a fourth term — have inched ahead in the polls as support for the Conservatives and NDP slips, according to CBC's Poll Tracker, which aggregates public opinion polling.

The breakdown of interprovincial trade barriers is something Ryan Smith wants to see because he believes it can help Canada's economy in the face of American tariffs. 

"It's important that we can move goods and services around Canada and we can start shoring up our own economy locally as opposed to relying on outside countries to keep us afloat," he said, adding that he hopes Canada continues seeking out global markets for trade. 

Environment, post-secondary funding also key issues

The top three election issues for Londoner Amy Cross are: protecting the environment, fixing the housing crisis and affordability. 

"Homelessness in London is fairly obvious and it's hard seeing our fellow people struggling so much without a lot of support," said Cross. "The cost of living affects everyone and just going to the grocery store is overwhelming trying to decide what you can and can't afford."

Amid the ongoing U.S.-Canada trade war, Cross would like to see party leaders working together and being unified instead of "throwing mud on each other," she said. 

Dylan Perriera wants to know where the parties stand on boosting funding for universities and colleges. A college professor himself, Perriera said it's important for post-secondary students to have the funds they need to succeed in their education. 

"For me, school is very important, that's why I came to this country but being able to make sure kids and parents have resources is very important," he said. "Especially with the tariff situation, it's important students know what their opportunities are."