Federal election campaign analysis

September 15, 2021

This week’s English-language and French-language debates did not provide any knockout moments for any of the leaders. The French-language debate failed to deliver any evidence of a shift away from the current trend of a tight race between the Conservatives and the Liberals. However, following the debate, popular Quebec Premier François Legault indicated his preference for a minority Conservative government, while offering criticisms of the Liberal, NDP and Green platforms. Thus far, most polls have shown Quebec as a race between the Liberals and the Bloc with the Conservatives in third. As advance polls open it will be interesting to see if progressive voters come out for the NDP in early voting, locking in their vote before the Liberals have a chance to win it back.
 
The English-language debate focused on a number of areas of social concern but failed to show how each leader would manage the economic recovery needed to pay for the high debt and deficits politicians have run during the pandemic. The debate got more confrontational but at times lacked substance as the leaders defaulted to their talking points. Justin Trudeau appeared off his game, frustrated and tired as he was the focus of attacks from all party leaders. We will have to see what the polls show after the debate but it appears Trudeau did not do anything to change the momentum of the campaign back in his favour.
 
Federal election update: advanced polls now open

As we get closer to Election Day on Sept. 20, 2021, we wanted to outline the four ways in which you can cast your ballot.  We encourage all our members to talk to their local candidates about how they can support Canadian dairy and want to emphasize the importance of voting to ensure dairy farmers continue to be the backbone of communities across the country.
 
Option 1 – Vote on Election Day

• Polls will be open for 12 hours on Sept. 20

 
Option 2 – Vote During Advance Polls    

• Friday, Sept. 10
• Saturday, Sept. 11
• Sunday, Sept. 12
• Monday, Sept. 13

 
To find your advance polling station, check your voter information card or use the Voter Information Service.
 
Option 3 – Vote by Mail

• Apply online or at any Elections Canada office across the country
• You must apply before Tuesday, Sept. 14, 6 p.m. and then vote using the special ballot process

 
Option 4 – Vote at any Elections Canada Office

• To vote here, you will need to vote before Sept. 14, 6 p.m.
• Elections Canada offices will soon be open seven days a week

 
Be sure to check your email as we will continue to provide regular updates on the election and strategy. If you set up meetings with your local candidates, we would like to hear about who you’re meeting with and how the meeting went. Please contact Constantin Urtilescu at constantin.urtilescu@milk.org.