The government could declare an early start to the campaign for the 2018 Quebec election, which will take place on Oct. 1. That means that before kids go back to school, Quebec’s politicians could be hitting the campaign trail.
READ MORE: Quebec politicians gear up for election showdown
Tuesday, during one of the last cabinet meetings before the writ is dropped, Liberal ministers wouldn’t confirm when the campaign will officially start.
“I’m ready for the election for sure, and full of energy!” Treasury Board president, Pierre Arcand told journalists.
The fixed election laws give the government flexibility to choose the length of the campaign period between 33 and 39 days. An extra six days could give the Liberals an edge over the other parties, particularly the CAQ.
WATCH: Premier Philippe Couillard sits down with Jamie Orchard.
READ MORE: Opposition leaders in Quebec want to change the way you vote
“The CAQ doesn’t have a coherent message,” said Finance Minister Carlos Leitao.
The Parti Quebecois has been trailing in the polls, but Leitao isn’t writing them off as political opponents.
“The Parti Quebecois is a party that has long-established roots in Quebec. I think that also to assume they are going to disappear, it’s a step I’m not willing to take,” he said.
The official election campaign can start as early as Aug. 23, but unofficially, MNAs have already started campaigning.
WATCH: Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard speaks to Global Montreal Senior Anchor Jamie Orchard about the upcoming provincial election campaign. The interview is the second in a two part series with Couillard.
READ MORE: Can a new candidate change the CAQ’s image with women and minorities?
“I was actually out door-knocking last night and the response was positive from citizens. I think citizens are looking forward to an ideas-based campaign,” said Transport Minister André Fortin.
“For the population, in general, it is important for the different political parties, ours as well, to be able to pass the message clearly,” Leitao said.
However, another week of campaigning could also give the parties more time to falter or go off message.
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