9 Key Elections & Campaigns Stories for Decision-Makers

Staying ahead in politics requires real-time media monitoring of Canadian print media. According to Press Monitor's tracking of Canadian publications, these are the 9 most impactful stories shaping elections and campaigns today. Use this press review to inform strategy.

1. Parti Québécois Launches Campaign with 'Le choix de la confiance'

Edmonton Journal reports that the Parti Québécois has launched its provincial election campaign with the slogan "Le choix de la confiance." Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon announced that while he remains committed to a sovereignty referendum, it will not be held while Donald Trump is in the White House.

Why it matters: The PQ is betting on a trust-based platform, while promising a sovereignty referendum only after Trump leaves office.

Key detail: Slogan unveiled by Paul St-Pierre Plamondon; the party commits to policy over fear.

Source: Edmonton Journal, Ottawa Citizen

Next step: Watch for polling shifts in Quebec as the campaign unfolds.

2. Mary Peltola Wins Alaska Primary – Could Decide Senate Control

Radio-Canada Info reports that in a closely watched primary election in Alaska, Democratic centrist candidate for the US Senate, Mary Peltola, has surpassed her Republican rival, incumbent Senator Dan S. Sullivan. This result could determine which party controls the upper house of Congress following the midterm elections in November.

Why it matters: A Democratic victory in deep-red Alaska could flip Senate control.

Key detail: Peltola defeated incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan in the primary.

Source: Radio-Canada Info

Next step: Monitor general election dynamics as Alaska becomes a battleground.

3. Alberta Seeks Help from Other Provinces for Referendum Staffing

“Selon {source_name} reports that" Elections Alberta has requested assistance from other provincial electoral agencies, including those in British Columbia and Saskatchewan, to reach its goal of recruiting 60,000 employees for the upcoming October referendum. Officials from British Columbia and Saskatchewan have expressed interest but await operational needs, as municipalities are holding elections just two days prior. Saskatchewan’s chief electoral officer, Michael Boda, is open to providing manpower, seeing the opportunity as valuable employee development. Elections Canada has also been contacted, and its director general is assessing its options, citing potential professional development benefits. However, Canada will not be directly involved in the referendum’s execution. Elections Alberta is seeking experienced specialists for crucial tasks like vote counting, requiring completion within 48 hours. Despite receiving over 30,000 applications from Albertans, a former director of elections, Lorne Gibson, believes the strategy faces limitations due to limited permanent staff and logistical costs, compounded by the Calgary-Shaw by-election.

Why it matters: Recruiting 60,000 election workers requires interprovincial cooperation.

Key detail: Elections Alberta asks BC and Saskatchewan for specialists; Calgary-Shaw by-election adds pressure.

Source: Radio-Canada Info

Next step: Follow logistics as Alberta’s October 19 referendum approaches.

4. St-Pierre Plamondon Promises Positive Campaign for PQ

«Selon le journal Le Calgary Herald,» le Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon says his party will not campaign based on "uncertainty and fear," but rather on "policy proposals and a solid team." He stressed that the campaign will focus on concrete plans and a capable team, aiming to offer a positive vision to voters. The party's strategy contrasts with previous campaigns that relied on a more emotive approach, seeking to reassure Canadians and establish a clear alternative.

Why it matters: A shift away from fear-based tactics could reshape Quebec’s political narrative.

Key detail: PQ leader emphasizes policy proposals and a solid team over uncertainty.

Source: Calgary Herald

Next step: Compare PQ’s approach with CAQ’s declining fortunes.

5. Alberta Referendum Faces Trust Issues and Foreign Influence Fears

"The Globe And Mail reports that Alberta’s referendum-a-palooza, set for Oct. 19, is primed for skepticism about the results, delays and, at least at this point in the process, foreign influence on the voting outcomes."

Why it matters: Skepticism about results and delays threatens democratic legitimacy.

Key detail: Tyler Dawson reports potential foreign influence on voting outcomes.

Source: The Globe and Mail

Next step: Ensure your media intelligence strategy includes monitoring disinformation narratives.

6. CAQ Faces $5 Billion Budget Hole Ahead of 2026 Election

Montreal Gazette reports that the 225 election campaign will usher largely new crop of politicians. The CAQ enters the race in decline and Auditor General Christine Roy warns the next government will face a gaping five billion dollar hole in the budget.

Why it matters: The governing party enters the race in decline, with Auditor General warning of fiscal gap.

Key detail: Philip Authier reports a largely new crop of politicians expected.

Source: Montreal Gazette

Next step: Track CAQ’s response as financial reality collides with campaign promises.

7. Uncontested Seats Raise Democratic Concerns in Ontario Municipal Elections

The Hamilton Spectator reports that with the window to submit in this year’s Ontario municipal elections about to close, observers and advocates are paying attention not only to those vying to lead their communities but also to the number of people who aren’t.

Why it matters: Lack of candidates in rural communities threatens local governance.

Key detail: Paola Loriggio highlights that many seats will be filled by acclamation.

Source: The Hamilton Spectator

Next step: Advocate for candidate recruitment and voter engagement.

8. Author Geneviève Pettersen Confirmed as CAQ Candidate in Assomption

Radio-canada Info reports that the author and columnist for the Coalition Avenir Québec, Geneviève Pettersen, has been confirmed to be a candidate for the CAQ in the Assomption region of Canada this autumn.

Why it matters: A well-known columnist adds star power to the CAQ ticket.

Key detail: Pettersen will run in the Assomption region this autumn.

Source: Radio-Canada Info

Next step: Watch for media coverage that amplifies or scrutinizes her candidacy.

9. B.C. Conservative Party Undergoes Leadership Reshuffle

Vancouver Sun reports that B.C. Conservative Party president Aisha Estey and vice-president Sharon White resigned less than three months after new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay took office, marking key changes in the party’s leadership and strategy. Estey led a transformation of the party from acquiring less than two percent of votes in 2020 to influencing provincial elections, and Frances Mauro Francis will take her place as president after supporting Findlay’s predecessor. Other reorganizations include changes at the executive director level, as well as incoming team members previously affiliated with other political or media entities. allemande adjutants in Burnaby September 2024 played critical roles in these adjustments.

Why it matters: Three months after new leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay took over, key executives resign.

Key detail: President Aisha Estey and VP Sharon White step down; new president Frances Mauro Francis appointed.

Source: Vancouver Sun

Next step: Assess internal party stability ahead of the next election.

How are you using print media monitoring to navigate these fast-moving political landscapes? Press Monitor tracks coverage from Victoria to St. John's, so your team never misses a critical story.