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       Voters line up at a polling station to vote in the Canadian federal election in Bowmanville, Ontario on Monday, September 20, 2021.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

       Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press

       Monday, Sept. 20, 12:50 p.m. ET Tight race as Canadians vote for next federal government All of Canada’s major party leaders have cast their ballots in the country’s first pandemic election, which culminates today as Canadians from coast to coast go to the polls.

       Elections Canada says almost 6.8 million people voted early, most of them at advanced polls over a week ago, and the rest through special ballots cast by mail or at Elections Canada offices.

       Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole and his wife Rebecca arrived Monday morning at a voting station in Bowmanville, Ont., in his riding of Durham, to cast their votes.

       Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau cast his ballot in his riding of Papineau, Que., with his three children at his side.

       Other leaders voted in advance of election day, including NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh who voted in an advanced poll in Burnaby and Green Party Leader Annamie Paul, who voted by mail.

       Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet also voted in advance, but spoke in Drummondville, Que., Monday morning to encourage his supporters to visit their polling stations.

       “This is democracy. People send to the Parliament the people they believe will represent them the best,” Blanchet said Monday.

       – The Canadian Press

       More: It’s neck and neck between the Liberals, Conservatives as voters head to polls

       Monday, Sept. 20, 11:30 a.m. ET In photos: Voters head to the polls

       For investors, this election carries more than the usual amount of uncertainty Stock valuations, particularly those in regulated economic sectors , could see some significant shifts when results from Monday’s vote are clear. Heading into voting day, Bay Street strategists are modelling two scenarios – a second Liberal minority government or a Conservative minority – that imply different winners and losers in Corporate Canada.

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       Here is how four key sectors of the Canadian economy – energy, financial services, real estate, telecom – are expected to react to a Liberal or Conservative minority government.

       -Andrew Willis

       A federal election checklist for those still wondering what to do with their vote Canada is a pretty lucky country. Either Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau or Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole could be trusted to provide competent, responsible government. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-Fran？ois Blanchet have shown the ability to make a minority Parliament work while holding the government to account.

       A vote for any of them would be a good choice. However, if you’re still undecided, here is some advice, based on issues you might care about most.

       -John Ibbitson

       Voter guide Canada’s 2021 federal election platform guide: compare where the parties stand on top issues

       What are the challenges facing the major political parties before Canada votes on Sept. 20?

       Canadian federal election 2021: Everything you need to know to vote today

       Full results and maps beginning when the polls close

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