Canada’s Monday polls are broadly seen as the most important election in a generation.

One of the world’s most prosperous nations and America’s closest ally and trading partner, Canada has found itself in recent months unexpectedly in the cross hairs of President Trump, targeted with tariffs and annexation threats.

But the country has also seen many of its coveted national accomplishments in regard to the economy and social issues slip, including higher costs of living, high unemployment, rising housing costs and a surge in homelessness and substance abuse. Many of these problems, not just in Canada but in other advanced economies, were exacerbated by the pandemic.

Many Canadians blame a decade of Liberal Party rule under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for the country’s woes.

The Conservative Party leader, Pierre Poilievre, has spent the past three years at the helm of his party trying to hammer home the point that he is the change the nation needs to restore Canada to its rightful place as a strong and prosperous country that can hold its own against anyone — even the United States.

But Liberal supporters believe that the country would be in worse shape without the party’s stewardship and, while admitting mistakes under Mr. Trudeau, they insist that the new leader, Mark Carney, is a uniquely competent captain to right the ship during what’s turned out to be a major storm.

Different Visions

The two top candidates in the election seem to agree on what Canada’s major problems are: a crisis of affordability, Mr. Trump’s actions and menacing words, the economy, and crime.