Canadians will soon head to the polls for a federal election under the long shadow of an escalating trade war with the US.

Mark Carney, who was sworn in as prime minister to replace Justin Trudeau on March 14, called the snap election for April 28.

Here is everything you need to know, along with the latest opinion polls and predictions around who will win:

Why is Canada holding a snap election?

Since 2007, Canada has had a fixed federal election date every four years, set for the third Monday in October.

In Canada, a snap election refers to a federal election that is called earlier than expected, typically by the sitting government. The next election was not due until October 20.

Carney is signalling that he thinks his Liberal Party would stand a better chance of winning if the vote was held sooner, capitalising on a remarkable recovery in the polls in response to President Trump’s threats.

• Tracked: Trump’s approval ratingThe leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, with his wife, Anaida, and son, Cruz, was expected to sail to victory in elections planned for OctoberCARLOS OSORIO/REUTERSThe Liberals, who have been in government since 2015, looked down and out at the end of last year and the Conservatives were 20 points ahead. However, they have seen a surge in support since Trudeau’s January announcement that he planned to step down amid threats of tariffs. Canada election pollsCanadians viewed Carney, 60, an economist and former central banker, as the leader best able to deal with Trump’s tariffs and their fallout, according to an Ipsos poll released on March 20.The opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, enjoyed a double-digit lead over their rivals and were expected to easily coast to victory.“[Carney] wants to call the election while he still has this kind of momentum as a new leader — and while the shock of the Trump administration is still front of mind for Canadians,” said Lisa Young, a political science professor at the University of Calgary.How does Canada’s snap election work?Once the election is called, a campaign period is set, typically lasting about five weeks. During this time, political parties campaign, debates occur and Canadians are encouraged to vote.On election day, Canadians vote in their local ridings, or electoral districts, for a member of parliament.The parties will be vying for 343 seats in the lower house of Canada’s parliament, the House of Commons.The party that wins the most seats in the Commons usually forms the government. If no party wins a majority, a minority government is formed and a coalition or agreement may be necessary.Who are the candidates for Canadian prime minister?Mark Carney: The economist and the former head of the Bank of England took over as prime minister in March when Justin Trudeau stepped down as the Liberal Party leader. Pierre Poilievre: The leader of the Conservative Party, a career politician and a firebrand populist who says he will put “Canada first”.Jagmeet Singh: A former provincial Ontario legislator and lawyer who is the leader of the left-leaning New Democratic Party.Yves-François Blanchet: The leader of the French-speaking Bloc Québécois, which advocates for Quebec’s sovereignty and the protection of its distinct culture and language.• Meet Canada’s election candidatesWhy is this Canadian election important?There is a lot at stake given Trump has already imposed tariffs on major Canadian exports.Canada is also staring down threats from Trump to turn the country into the 51st American state and demote its prime minister to a governor.Political experts said it was an “existential” moment for Canada, warning that Trump was serious and was eyeing its critical mineral reserves as well as full, borderless continental integration.“The country is facing an existential threat to its independence. I don’t think there’s any other way to take it,” said Michael Ignatieff, the former leader of the Liberals. Ignatieff believes that the question of who is best to take on Trump is “the only one on the ballot”.Who will win? Make your prediction