Canadians go to the polls today, Monday 20 September, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called a snap election last month. Trudeau – who leads a Liberal minority government – had been hoping to be returned to office with a parliamentary majority. The campaign has been marked, however, by a surge in support for the opposition Conservative party under Erin O’Toole.
Calling the election was always a gamble. The current parliament, elected in 2019, was scheduled to run until 2023. Although his Liberal party was leading in the polls, the prime minister could have allowed the parliamentary term to run its course and remain secure in power for at least two more years.
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