Election call rumours: Stephen Maher explains what's really happening

Stephen Maher reports that rumours of a possible snap election followed reports Doug Ford and Prime Minister Carney spoke about timing, but sources say Carney is not consulting advisers about an early campaign and many senior Conservatives prefer he lead through the current crisis.

Stephen Maher, a longtime political journalist, addresses recent rumours that the Liberal government might call a snap election. The rumours followed reports that Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Carney discussed the timing of an election. Maher writes that many senior Conservatives are impressed by Carney's economic skills and that this has constrained Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. He also notes that polls show the Liberals ahead and that the party remains a few seats short of a majority. What is reported: - Reports emerged that Doug Ford and Prime Minister Carney spoke about a possible snap election. - Sources who would advise Carney say he is not consulting them about an early campaign. - Many senior Conservatives are described as impressed by Carney's economic credentials and prefer he lead through the current crisis. - Pierre Poilievre is portrayed as politically constrained by parts of his party and by concerns over Canada–U.S. relations among some conservative voters. - The Liberals are reported to be ahead in polls while remaining a few seats short of a parliamentary majority. Summary: The immediate effect described is that powerful conservatives are signalling support for Carney, which limits Poilievre's ability to press an opportunistic challenge. That dynamic makes an early election less likely for now. Undetermined at this time.