Maple News reports that Canada could be heading toward a federal election sooner than expected, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau considers calling a snap vote—possibly within weeks. While Canadian law mandates a general election by October 2023, political indicators suggest the Liberal government may act earlier, potentially sending Canadians to the polls as early as September.
Several factors point toward the possibility of an imminent election call. COVID-19 case numbers are down, vaccination rates are high, and Trudeau has recently been announcing funding across various sectors—classic signs of a pre-election strategy. With the Liberal Party polling strongly, especially in recognition of its COVID-19 response, the timing could favour Trudeau’s bid to convert his current minority government into a majority one.
Since the 2019 election, the Liberals have governed with 157 out of 338 seats in the House of Commons—enough to lead, but short of the majority needed to pass legislation without support from opposition parties. A majority win would give Trudeau’s government greater autonomy in shaping the legislative agenda for the remainder of its term.
Currently, Parliament is in recess. If an election is called, Governor General Mary Simon would formally dissolve Parliament, triggering an official election campaign.
As Canada eyes a potential election, the policies of leading federal parties are in the spotlight, especially regarding immigration—a key issue for many voters. The Liberal Party, led by Trudeau, positions itself at the center to center-left of the political spectrum and has significantly expanded immigration policies since taking office. It introduced new pathways for essential workers, international graduates, Hong Kong residents, and refugees, while also making immigration rules more flexible during the pandemic. However, some campaign promises, such as eliminating citizenship application fees and launching a Municipal Nominee Program, remain unfulfilled.
The Conservative Party, currently the official opposition, is generally center-right. Under their leadership from 2006 to 2015, Canada saw the implementation of the Express Entry system to streamline economic immigration. Current party leader Erin O’Toole has publicly stated his belief that immigration remains critical to Canada’s success and continues to win support in immigrant-rich ridings.
The New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh, leans further left and is popular among young voters and immigrants. Singh has advocated for family reunification, clearing immigration backlogs, and improving refugee settlement services.
A snap election, if called, is not expected to disrupt immigration policy immediately. The Liberal government would remain in charge throughout the campaign period, and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) would continue current programs, including the 2021–2023 Immigration Levels Plan. Should a new government form, immigration priorities would likely be adjusted starting in early 2022, once a new cabinet is in place.
For now, Canada’s immigration direction appears stable, with any long-term changes contingent on the outcome of a potential fall election.