Seeking approval for COVID response, Canadian PM to call election

Justin Trudeau will officially announce the upcoming September 20 election on Sunday.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is planning a snap election for September 20 to seek voter approval for the government’s costly plans to combat COVID-19, four sources familiar with the matter told the Reuters news agency on Thursday. Trudeau is set to make the announcement on Sunday, said the sources, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation. Trudeau aides have said for months that the ruling Liberals would push for a vote before the end of 2021, two years ahead of schedule. Trudeau has a minority government and he relies on other parties to push through legislation. In recent months, he has complained about what he calls opposition obstruction.