The most important election of our lifetime? These Albertans say it's high stakes

You might've heard a politician, advocate, or friend say this is the most important election of our lifetimes. 

People of all political stripes are weighing the stakes of the upcoming federal election as they make their choice for who Canada should have at the helm in the midst of the U.S. trade war. CBC asked Albertan voters, experts, and businesses if this election feels different.

"I think given the political environment right now — especially with our U.S. counterparts — this election is weighing heavily on a lot of people's minds," Tom Tsoumpas told CBC Edmonton this week.  

Tsoumpas said voters need to be thinking past a four-year election mandate, and consider the next 10.

"However this election goes, it is going to hopefully lay the groundwork for the economic future of our country."

Speaking in downtown Edmonton on Thursday, John Maclean said the biggest thing for him this election is pipelines and commerce.

"We have to become more self-reliant, get a better economy for Canada, stand on our own a little bit more — maybe trade with Europe and other countries."

Kenzie Fragoso said her priorities include trans and Indigenous rights. But added that she worries about the influence from south of the border.

"I think Canada bases a lot of their stuff off of the United States, so it's kind of scary what's happening over there. What could possibly happen here?"

Janet Brown, a Calgary-based pollster and political commentator said she's expecting a high voter turnout for this election, because the current political climate is driving higher engagement. 

Voters have to decide what kind of leadership approach is best for standing up to Trump, Brown said. 

"What is the right combination of strong versus smart to get through the challenge of Trump and to get Canada to a new place economically?

"It's going to be a nail-biter."

It's also not the first time Canada's economy and relationship with the United States has been on the line. In 1988, Canadians watched Brian Mulroney and John Turner passionately debate the merits of free trade on television.