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Next Canadian federal election

The next Canadian federal election is the scheduled general election to choose members of the House of Commons after the 2025 federal election.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The next Canadian federal election is the scheduled general election to choose members of the House of Commons after the 2025 federal election. Under Canada’s fixed-date election law, it is currently scheduled for the third Monday in October 2029, unless an earlier election is called. It will elect members to the 46th Canadian Parliament.

Background

Canada uses a fixed-date federal election schedule, but the prime minister may still request an earlier dissolution of Parliament. The current schedule points to an October 2029 election after the 2025 vote.

Section 56.1 of the Canada Elections Act provides that a general election is to be held on the third Monday in October in the fourth calendar year following the last election. The law also preserves the Governor General’s power to dissolve Parliament earlier.

What the election will decide

The election will fill all seats in the House of Commons. The party with the most MPs normally forms the government, and its leader usually becomes prime minister.

Relationship to the 45th Parliament

The 2025 federal election elected members of the 45th Canadian Parliament. The next election will choose the members of the 46th Parliament.

Key facts

  • Canada’s fixed-date election law sets the next federal election for the third Monday in October in the fourth calendar year after the previous election.
  • Because the previous federal election was held on April 28, 2025, the next scheduled date is October 15, 2029.
  • The election will choose members of the House of Commons and determine the composition of the 46th Canadian Parliament.
  • The Governor General can dissolve Parliament earlier, so the election may occur before the fixed date.
  • The Constitution and election law set a maximum five-year limit on the life of the House of Commons.
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Canadian context

This is a directly Canadian political event that determines the federal government and representation in the House of Commons.

Frequently asked questions

When is the next Canadian federal election scheduled?
It is currently scheduled for October 15, 2029, the third Monday in October 2029.
Can the election happen earlier?
Yes. The Governor General can dissolve Parliament earlier, which can bring an election before the fixed date.
What will the election decide?
It will elect members of the House of Commons and determine the composition of the 46th Canadian Parliament.
What law sets the timing?
The Canada Elections Act sets the fixed-date rule for federal elections, while the Constitution limits the maximum life of the House of Commons to five years.
What was the previous federal election?
The previous Canadian federal election was held on April 28, 2025.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/46th_Canadian_federal_election
    Supports: States the next election is scheduled for October 15, 2029, and that it will elect members to the 46th Canadian Parliament.
  2. Elections Canada — https://electionsanddemocracy.ca/canadas-elections/canadas-election-process/elections-step-step
    Supports: Explains the fixed-date election rule, the possibility of earlier dissolution, and how federal elections work.
  3. Department of Justice Canada — https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/csj-sjc/rfc-dlc/ccrf-ccdl/check/art4.html
    Supports: States the five-year maximum duration rule and cites section 56.1 of the Canada Elections Act.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Canadian_federal_election
    Supports: States the previous federal election was held on April 28, 2025.