This morning at 10 a.m., Prime Minister Justin Trudeau went to Rideau Hall to ask the new Governor-General, Mary Simon, to dissolve Parliament and call the 44th federal election. The Prime Minister used his prerogative to override the fixed election date law to obtain a majority government and having the freedom to dictate the agenda for the post-COVID-19 revival.
The Liberal leader said the past 17 months have brought a host of extraordinary challenges, from the pandemic to the global recession and the environmental crisis. He wants to give Canadians a chance to choose how to finish the fight against COVID-19. By voting, citizens will have the opportunity to decide what is next for Canada, he said.
The election campaign will last 36 days (starting Monday, August 16). The vote will take place on Monday, September 20.
As a fourth wave of the COVID-19 begins in this country, we can expect a unique, innovative and exciting campaign. The country's economic future, fiscal stabilization, social and environmental issues, and social justice will undoubtedly be the key themes of the campaign.
In response, Conservative Party Leader Erin O'Toole said that the safety of Canadians and all efforts to combat the pandemic should not be put at risk for political gain. His message is that Justin Trudeau has failed to deliver and that Canadians need to change their government by voting for a party that will focus on economic recovery, fiscal order and anti-corruption legislation.
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet said it is irresponsible to hold an election in the middle of a pandemic. He insisted that the last parliament should have lasted 4 years, respecting the law on fixed dates. He wants the campaign to be challenging.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said that Canada has deteriorated over the past six years and that the pandemic has brought inequities to the fore. He believes that the "ultra-rich" must pay their fair share. He also mentioned that it is selfish for Justin Trudeau to call an election at this time and that he is only doing it to gain more power. The NDP leader emphasized the importance of his party in improving government programs in relation to COVID-19. He intends to have a minority government so that the NDP can retain some balance of power.
The ground campaign begins today as party leaders begin to criss-cross the country. Justin Trudeau, Jagmeet Singh and Yves-François Blanchet will be in Montreal today. Erin O'Toole will be in Ottawa doing virtual meetings with citizens in Québec and British Columbia.
We wish you a great election season!
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