Parliament Dissolved, Federal Election Called

Summary#

The Proclamation Dissolving Parliament: SI/2021-60 is an official notice that ended the sitting federal Parliament and set in motion the steps toward a federal election. It was registered on August 16, 2021 and published in the Canada Gazette, Part II, on September 1, 2021.

What it does#

• Declares that the sitting Parliament is dissolved.
• Triggers the formal process that leads to a federal election (campaigning, candidate nominations, and voting arrangements).
• Records the action in the public register (registered August 16, 2021; published September 1, 2021).

Who's affected#

• Federal voters across Canada — an election will determine their next Members of Parliament.
• Members of Parliament and prospective candidates — their roles and responsibilities change while an election is underway.
• Political parties and campaign teams — they move into active campaigning.
• Elections Canada and other agencies involved in running the election.

Why it matters#

• A dissolved Parliament means a federal election is required. That can change who runs the government and which policies are pursued.
• Voters get the chance to choose their representatives.
• Some government decision-making is often reduced or paused during an election period, which can affect timing of public announcements or new initiatives.