In the federal election of 2019, Canada’s ruling Liberal Party was reduced to a minority government. Since then, Justin Trudeau has complained of “toxicity and obstructionism” from the opposition on both his left and right. On August 15, he asked Canada’s governor general to dissolve parliament for a September 20 federal election.

Taking it as a given that Canadians also want the Liberals unencumbered by obstructionism from the opposition, Trudeau has rationalized the election as an opportunity for voters to give the Liberals a stronger mandate. And so the writ has dropped, despite experts warning that much of Canada is on the edge of a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections.

On the campaign trail, Trudeau has emphasized his government’s efforts to support those who suffered job loss due to COVID-19 as examples of the “Real Change” that he will continue to deliver if reelected. Examples of this change include extended Employment Insurance (EI) coverage and the $300 per week Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) for those who don’t meet EI eligibility. But Trudeau neglected to mention that most of the programs involved are set to end just weeks after the election.