Quebec election campaign to kick off Aug. 23, six days earlier than expected

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has confirmed the provincial election campaign will begin earlier than expected.

Couillard announced Saturday the campaign will officially start Aug. 23, instead of the expected date of Aug. 29.

READ MORE: Criticisms arise as first veiled woman to run in Quebec elections 2018

Quebecers will go to the polls Oct. 1.

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Couillard’s announcement during a speech at a meeting of the Liberals‘ youth wing means the campaign will last the maximum 39 days.

READ MORE: Quebec politicians gear up for election showdown

The premier says the extra days will give his party more time to spread its message in all regions of the province.

He also noted the three leaders’ debates during the campaign will eat up a lot of time because of the preparation required.

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Opinion polls suggest the Liberals, who have been in power 13 of the past 15 years, are in a dogfight with the Coalition Avenir Québec, with the Parti Québécois trailing in third place.

Coalition Leader François Legault and PQ Leader Jean-Francois Lisee welcomed Saturday’s announcement, with both saying they are ready to do battle.