Thus, the country is launching an early campaign, six months before the scheduled date, and instead of returning to Parliament on March 24 as planned, representatives and candidates are beginning a contested race for 343 seats, according to CTV News.

Carney assured this Sunday that he will fulfill the Liberal leadership’s campaign promises made in the final week, including eliminating the carbon tax for consumers, increasing the capital gains inclusion rate, and eliminating interprovincial trade barriers. The Liberal leader also announced that, if he becomes prime minister at the end of April, he will implement a middle-class tax cut that will save double-income families up to $825 (US$575) per year.

Despite nearly two years of a double-digit Conservative lead in public opinion polls, the Liberals began to gain ground and close the gap in late January, following Justin Trudeau’s resignation earlier that month.

In mid-February, data showed the Liberals and Conservatives would be tied if Carney were elected Liberal leader, while now, some of those same pollsters show that party has a slight advantage.

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