PM Justin Trudeau has called for a snap election during the fourth wave of COVID-19
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau triggered a snap election that will take place on Sept. 20, 2021 — two years earlier than scheduled. Campaigning began mid-August, and the Liberal Party hopes to win with a majority government.
When Trudeau was first elected in 2015, he and the Liberals held the majority of seats in the House of Commons, the branch of federal government responsible for passing legislation. However, the 2019 federal election relegated them to only 157 seats, when they needed 170 to keep their majority.
Since then, Trudeau and other Liberal leaders have reportedly accused oppositional parties of stalling or blocking legislation for several months. Due to this, the snap election was predicted long before it was announced on Aug. 15.
Last updated on Aug. 17, CBC’s Poll Tracker showed the Liberals with a 34.9 per cent approval rating. Meanwhile, the Conservatives scored 29.4 per cent, the New Democratic Party (NDP) scored 19.4 per cent, the Bloc Québécois scored 6.5 per cent, the Green Party scored 5 per cent, and other parties scored 4.8 per cent.
While the Liberals are currently polling higher than other parties, they acknowledged that the snap election was still a gamble as there is no guarantee that they will win a majority.
Meanwhile, oppositional parties have accused Trudeau of being “opportunistic” and “selfish” for calling an election as a fourth wave of COVID-19 is underway, but Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam told Global News that there are health measures that will help mitigate risk, such as mask wearing. Mail-in voting will also be an option.
The first full day of campaigning began on Aug. 16, and party candidates have already begun outlining their platforms to the public.
The Liberal Party’s campaign thus far includes commitments to accelerate Canada’s shift to net-zero emissions by 2050, offering more support for first-time homebuyers, banning 1,500 models of assault-style weapons, and more.
The NDP have made commitments like paid sick leave, universal pharmacare, and student debt cancellation. They will also work with the provinces and territories to reduce emissions by the 2025-30 period, as well as fully implement the Canadian Rights Tribunal orders to help end discrimination against Indigenous peoples.
Meanwhile, the Conservatives have laid out plans to “spur innovation” by cutting income tax rates on new Canadian-patented technologies, and provide Canadians with high-speed internet by 2025.
The Green Party hopes to guarantee a livable income, save the last of Canada’s old growth forests, and also transition oil, gas and coal workers into green industries to support rapid emission reduction.
The People’s Party of Canada wants to replace the Indian Act with a new legal framework that would provide equal rights and responsibilities to Indigenous peoples, end official multiculturalism, and allow the oil and gas industry to grow.
The Bloc Quebecois wants to protect and support the agricultural sector, encourage and defend the French language across Canada, and offer workers a guaranteed income for those suffering from disease.
More information on each party’s platform can be found on their respective websites.
Additionally, each party candidate will debate current issues at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec on Sept. 8 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the French broadcast and on Sept. 9 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. for the English broadcast.
To vote, you must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age, and registered with the International Register of Electors. Information on how, when, and where you can vote is available on your voter information card or by checking with Elections Canada.
You can vote before election day by using advance polling stations (which will be open from Sept. 10-13), going to your riding’s Elections Canada office up until Sept. 14, or mailing-in your vote through a special ballot voting kit. For the latter two options, you need to complete a special ballot application.
To vote in-person, bring proof of your identity and address that has been issued by the Canadian government to the polling station. If you don’t have ID, someone with their own proof of identity and address can vouch for you.
Make sure you register to vote ahead of time regardless of the method you use.
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