Liberal leader Justin Trudeau spoke to reporters after he dropped the writ on Sept. 11, 2019, signalling the start of the election campaign. (Photo: CPAC)
This year’s federal election is officially underway.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was at Rideau Hall today, where the Governor General accepted his request to dissolve Parliament.
Speaking to reporters after his visit, Trudeau says if re-elected, he hopes to continue putting more money in Canadian’s pockets.
“By cutting taxes for the middle class and raising them on the wealthiest one per cent. We stop sending child benefit checks to millionaires so we can send more to the single parent working two jobs. We made the Canada Pension Plan stronger,” he said.
Trudeau also told reporters he believes many Canadians have come to see their country transformed during his run.
“We created economic growth and moved people out of poverty. We’ve moved forward on protecting the environment, at the same time as we continue to prepare for future prosperity. These are the things that young Canadians except, indeed that all Canadians expect,” he said.
Trudeau was asked about his plans on going up against Andrew Scheer, his Conservative rival.
“I do not engage in personal attacks, but I will be very, very sharp on distinction around policy. That is something Canadian’s deserve in an election, to see clear, contrasts between party’s visions,” he said.
The recent SNC-Lavalin controversy was also brought up, with some reporters asking Trudeau if he thought he made any mistakes during the controversy, to which he did not reply.
Others wondered if it was maybe insensitive for Trudeau to call an election on the anniversary of 9/11. Trudeau replied saying he acknowledged of the tragedy of the past while at the same time moving forward.
The other federal leaders will speak to their supporters and announce official campaigns throughout the afternoon.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Signh is in London. Ont.; Elizabeth May, leader of the Greens, is speaking in Victoria, B.C.; and Conservative leader Andrew Scheer will speak to his supporters in Trois-Rivières, Que.
Trudeau will be launching his campaign in Vancouver, B.C. later today as well, the same city he launched his campaign in 2015.
Official notification will be sent to all 338 ridings later on Wednesday.
The official campaign will last for just over five weeks, leading up to polling day on October 21st.
In 2015, the election campaign lasted for 11 weeks — the longest in Canadian history.
