ELECTION WATCH: Liberal Prime Minister.......>

CANADA: ELECTION WATCH: Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau calls election for

Oct. 21. 

-Recent polls show Liberals in statistical tie for popular support with

Conservatives led by Andrew Scheer. Government needs to win majority of 338

seats in House of Commons to pass budgets without opposition support.

-Canada has seen little of the populism experienced in other recent global

elections; focus is more on small-scale changes to help families with the cost

of housing and energy bills. Quebec separatist movement also expected to remain

dormant. 

-Conservatives attacking Liberals over ethics missteps, new carbon tax, and

delays in building energy projects.

-Economy has been strong with 3.7% annualized growth in 2Q, unemployment near

record lows.

-Conservatives if elected likely to trim deficits, replace carbon tax with green

investment incentives for major emitters. Liberals may continue deficits and

would uphold their carbon tax.