Canada election 2019: PM Justin Trudeau faces tight race as campaign begins
- Polls suggest the opposition Conservative party with its untested leader, Andrew Scheer, is close to Justin Trudeau’s Liberals
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, admired abroad for his progressive policies but damaged by scandals at home, was kicking off a six-week re-election campaign on Wednesday with opinion polls suggesting his hold on power would be weakened.
Trudeau, who swept to office in November 2015 promising “sunny ways” and stressing the importance of gender equality, gay rights and the environment, faces an electorate more focused on the economy and affordability when it votes on October 21.
Trudeau was expected to visit the Ottawa residence of Governor General Julie Payette, the acting head of state, to formally launch the race.
The election campaign can then officially begin, although political leaders and parties have already been wooing voters with pre-election ads, announcements and whistle stops in key battlegrounds across the country.
Elected in 2015, Trudeau and the Liberal Party will be battling to hold onto a majority in parliament against untested rivals Andrew Scheer of the Conservatives and New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, as well as the strengthening Greens led by Elizabeth May.
Accusations of Trudeau meddling in a criminal prosecution sent the Liberals’ popularity tumbling at the start of the year.