Uncertainty over start date, debates ratchet up pre-election angst
OTTAWA — A campaign that could start at any time and a debate schedule that is itself the subject of debate are intensifying pre-election jitters in Ottawa going into the weekend.
Observers are keenly monitoring the schedules and public appearances of MPs, the governor general and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to discern when the election call is coming.
The prime minister may be considering the implications of a strong storm striking Atlantic Canada, the Manitoba election Sept. 10, and the state of the shadow-campaigning already happening across the country.
One thing he has already taken off the table is a debate scheduled for Sept. 12, hosted by Maclean’s and Citytv, which the Liberal party has formally declined to attend, according to Maclean’s columnist and debate moderator Paul Wells.