Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Sunday officially called for an early national election for Sept. 20, a wager that voters will reward his government's handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Wall Street Journal reports.
The big picture: Trudeau is hoping to secure a parliamentary majority to help him push through his progressive agenda. He has governed Canada with a minority of legislative support in parliament for the past two years.
- The success of the prime minister's election bid rests heavily on buoyant support following the country's vaccination drive and the post-pandemic economic rebound during his term, Reuters writes.
What they're saying: "The decisions your government makes right now will define the future your kids and grandkids will grow up in," Trudeau said, per Reuters. "So in this pivotal, consequential moment, who wouldn't want a say?"
- "Mr. Trudeau has made his priority this selfish summer election and a try for a power grab," said Jagmeet Singh, the new Democratic Party leader, per Reuters.
