Canadians will go to the polls on September 20 to vote in a snap election two years ahead of schedule, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asked the country’s governor-general to dissolve the legislature.
In a speech outside Rideau Hall, Ottawa’s formal seat of government, Trudeau framed the election as a referendum on the government’s pandemic response, and an opportunity to “finish the fight” with a mandate for sweeping change on climate, housing, social welfare and public healthcare.
Trudeau’s Liberal party is hoping to capitalise on a successful Covid-19 vaccination drive to solidify its hold on power after two years of minority government. Polls show the party likely to gain seats at the expense of the Conservatives and within striking distance of a majority. The Liberals hold 155 seats in parliament, 15 shy of the 170 needed for a majority.