Should Prime Minister Justin Trudeau call an early election as is expected in the coming days, taxpayers will likely have to dish out an estimated $610 million so they can head to the polls.
The hefty price tag of a pandemic election will mean that 2021 will be the most expensive election held in all of Canadian history.
Estimates by Elections Canada were first reported by CityNews.
In comparison, the 2021 election will be approximately $100 million more than the 2019 election, which took place shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
For months, Trudeau has insisted that his government was not interested in having an election. However, recent reports indicate that Trudeau will likely announce a snap election this Sunday.
Opposition leader Erin O’Toole has repeatedly spoken out against holding an election during the pandemic.
“My biggest concern right now is the potential fourth wave of COVID-19,” O’Toole said.
“We shouldn’t be rushing to an election. Mr. Trudeau always seems to put his own self-interest ahead of the interest of Canadians.”
The hefty pandemic costs of an election will push Canadian taxpayers even further into the red. Under Trudeau’s watch, Canada’s federal debt has surpassed $1 trillion dollars.
Additionally, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, the federal government’s deficit will likely not be paid off until 2070 due to the extensive spending programs brought on by the Liberal government during COVID-19.
“Overall, it paints a picture of unsustainability for finances, both federal and provincial combined,” Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux said.
“And that is the big elephant in the room that nobody seems to be worried about or wanting to address.”
