For the benefit of our American readers, when and how elections are held in Canada differ from those held in the United States. Although not necessary, Canada has legislated fixed election dates, the next one scheduled to be held on Oct. 21 of this year. Although not written in stone, the government is keeping with the date fixed by statute.
While the campaign has been going on unofficially for weeks, certain things must be done in order for the official campaign period to begin. The Prime Minister must visit the Governor General and ask her to dissolve Parliament in order to begin the formal election period. Although the Governor General could technically refuse, that will not happen. As well as dissolving Parliament, the GG issues writs requiring elections to be held in all 338 electoral districts. This is generally referred to as “dropping the writ.”