This weekend, the federal Liberals pick a new leader, meaning the end of a decade of Justin Trudeau at Canada’s helm.
But does the end of his time as prime minister mean the end of those explicit bumper stickers, decals and flags?
You know the ones.
“I do have one on my other vehicle, and I’m proud to display it, actually,” said Calgarian Wayne Lovell.
The explicit expression became a fixture at protests like the freedom convoy.
“You can show your displeasure in other ways. I don’t think it’s too classy,” said Calgarian Jeff Cragg.
Lovell doesn’t know if he’ll remove his sticker come Sunday.
“He’s done this country wrong, in my opinion. I’m looking forward to a change,” Lovell said.
That could come in the form of an election, which political experts believe will be driven by one issue: Trump’s trade war.
“It’s the determining factor, and it literally is going to be which leader do we trust the most or to be most effective,” said Melanee Thomas with the University of Calgary.
While many political experts project the Conservatives will win, support is slipping.
James Van Allen, who spent six months camped outside for the axe-the-tax protest on Highway 1, says Pierre Poilievre’s promise to kill the carbon tax isn’t enough to secure his vote.
“I would say I’m politically homeless right now. Canadian people need a break. We need someone to come forward and step up for Canada,” Van Allen said.
Some suggest the Liberals are benefiting from a surge of patriotism amid Trump’s tariffs and rhetoric about Canada becoming the 51st state.
But some scholars are skeptical of the show of nationalism.
“It’s mostly sizzle and very little steak,” said John von Heyking with the University of Lethbridge.
“I think it’s mostly sentimental. I think once people start to think about what decisions to make and what sacrifices to make, I think you’re going to find the old divisions are going to come back pretty rapidly.”
