An election period, which can last from 37 to 51 days, begins on the date the writs are issued and ends on election day. Most candidates start campaigning once the election is called, but some may start earlier.
During the campaign, the goal of the parties and candidates is to convince voters that they are the best party or person for the job. To do this, parties and candidates:
- promote their platform (usually this is a document that parties use to tell voters about their goals, ideas and principles—it is a way for parties to put in writing what they would do if they are elected)
- go door to door in their riding to meet with voters, and
- take part in debates with candidates of other parties.
Did you know? In the 2021 federal election, 2,010 Canadians registered as candidates.