Canada’s Incumbent President, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finds himself trailing in polls ahead of a snap election he called with the hope that his management of the COVID-19 crisis would push him to victory.
Trudeau called the September 20 election in August, two years ahead of schedule. As at that time, Liberals were cruising ahead and looked likely to reclaim the majority of parliament that they lost in 2019. However, his main rival, Conservative leader Erin O’Toole, has attacked him repeatedly for calling a vote during the pandemic.
The latest polls carried out by Nanos, Ekos and others reveal Liberal fortunes have dwindled as voters have become disinterested in Trudeau, 49, who has been in power since 2015.
One Liberal strategist said recently that the early-vote call had backfired as it was described as “wrong” and “greedy” by electors.
Also, Canadian health officials have released modelling showing new COVID-19 cases could surpass the peak of the third wave within the month and warned that if efforts to vaccinate young adults are not intensified, Canada’s hospital capacity may be exceeded.
The Nanos Research survey for CTV put the Conservatives on 35.7% public support, with the Liberals on 30.7% and the smaller left-leaning New Democrats on 18.3%. An Ekos poll published recently puts the Conservatives at 35.5% versus 30.7% for the Liberals.
If these numbers are replicated on election day, O’Toole would likely win a minority administration.
A few days ago, the Conservative leader came out of a French-language leaders’ debate without suffering severe damage.
Trudeau said during the exchanges that if there were to be another minority government, there would most likely be another election in 18 months.
While talking to reporters recently, O’Toole said: “We should not be in a campaign. Only Mr Trudeau wanted this campaign for his interests.
“And last night, he threatened another election if he doesn’t get his way with this one. Canadians deserve better than that,” he said after a campaign announcement in Montreal.
Trudeau revealed his debate comments referred to the average duration of minority governments. He later attacked O’Toole’s opposition to vaccine mandates for domestic travel and added that the Conservative policy would put people in danger.
Trudeau said: “Without strong leadership on vaccines, our kids won’t be safe in the classroom, our businesses won’t grow and thrive, and all Canadians will be at risk.”
Liberal strategists have expressed hope their fortunes will improve if Canadians begin to pay more attention next week after the Labor Day holiday and two extra debates.
During the last two election campaigns, Trudeau garnered crucial support late by telling Canadians a vote for the New Democrats would crack progressives resulting in a Conservative government.
