The move by the Canadian prime minister will see the nation's citizens take to the polls in an election that is two years ahead of schedule. Mr Trudeau is framing the election as a referendum on the government’s pandemic response. He claimed it is an opportunity for Canada to “finish the fight” against the pandemic.

       He is also running on a mandate for future sweeping change on climate change, housing reform, social welfare and public healthcare.

       Speaking in Ottawa he said: “The decisions your government makes right now will define the future that your kids and grandkids will grow up in.

       “We were there for you, and now it is up to you to choose.”

       However, opposition leaders in Canada have hit out at this gamble for power in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

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       Mr Trudeau then attacked his critics, saying Canadians deserve a chance to decide who should guide the country out of the pandemic.

       He said: "In this pivotal, consequential moment, who wouldn't want a say?

       "Who wouldn't want their chance to help decide where our country goes from here?

       "So to the other parties, please explain why you don't think Canadians should get a choice, why you don't think that this is a pivotal moment.

       "I'm focused on our real plan. I'm focused on the path forward."

       The latest opinion polls show that Mr Trudeau's party is likely to gain seats at the expense of Canada's Conservative Party.

       Results from the opinion poll also suggest his party, the Liberal Party, is within striking distance of a majority.

       Mr Trudeau is claiming his party is winning the war against coronavirus, with around 63 percent of the population of Canada already fully vaccinated.

       The Liberals hold 155 seats in the Canadian parliament, this is just 15 seats off the 170 needed for a majority.