2021 Canadian federal election
The 2021 Canadian federal election was held on September 20, 2021, to elect members of the House of Commons for the 44th Canadian Parliament.
The 2021 Canadian federal election was held on September 20, 2021, to elect members of the House of Commons for the 44th Canadian Parliament. The Liberal Party, led by Justin Trudeau, won the most seats and formed a second consecutive minority government. The Conservatives won the popular vote, while the Liberals retained power with a plurality of seats.
Background
The election was called after Parliament was dissolved in August 2021, leading to a 36-day campaign. It was held under Canada's fixed-date election framework but as a snap election triggered by the prime minister.
Results
The Liberals won the most seats, followed by the Conservatives, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic Party, Green Party, and People's Party of Canada. The Conservatives won the popular vote, but the Liberals remained the largest party in the House of Commons.
Government formation
Because the Liberals fell short of a majority, they continued governing as a minority government. Justin Trudeau was re-elected prime minister for a third term.
Voter turnout and voting methods
Elections Canada reported about 17.2 million ballots cast, with turnout around 62.5%. Canadians could vote in person, at advance polls, or by special ballot, including mail-in voting.
Key facts
- The Liberal Party won 160 seats, short of the 170 needed for a majority in the 338-seat House of Commons.
- The Conservatives won the popular vote with about 33.7%, while the Liberals received about 32.6%.
- Elections Canada estimated that about 17.2 million Canadians voted, for turnout of about 62.5%.
- Justin Trudeau remained prime minister and formed another minority government.
- The election produced only small seat changes from the 2019 federal election.
This was a nationwide Canadian federal election that determined the composition of the House of Commons and the federal government, directly affecting all Canadian voters and Canada’s parliamentary system.
Frequently asked questions
When was the 2021 Canadian federal election held?
Which party won the election?
Did the Liberals win a majority?
Who won the popular vote?
What was the voter turnout?
What government resulted from the election?
References
- Elections Canada — https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=med&dir=pre&document=sep2921&lang=eSupports: Election date, turnout estimate, and number of ballots cast.
- CBC News — https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/elections/federal/2021/results/Supports: Result that Canadians re-elected a Liberal minority government.
- CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-general-election-results-2021-1.6182364Supports: Liberal minority government, seat and vote-share context, and party vote shares.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2021_Canadian_federal_electionSupports: Seat totals, vote shares, and general election overview.
- Stephen Taylor — https://www.stephentaylor.ca/data/political/canada/federal/election/2021/Supports: Campaign length, seat totals, vote shares, and comparative context with 2019.
- Elections Canada — https://electionsanddemocracy.ca/canadas-elections/canadas-election-process/elections-step-by-stepSupports: Federal election process, dissolution, and voting methods.