Other things that happened during marathon election campaign
Stephen Harper emerged from Rideau Hall on the morning of Aug. 2 and confirmed he asked Gov. Gen. David Johnston to dissolve Parliament for a general election to be held Monday, Oct. 19.
It kicked off the longest federal election campaign in recent history.
Today, the 78-day campaign ends with the 42nd general election.
Here's a sampling of what else happened while the party leaders criss-crossed the country for 11 weeks.
Monday, Aug. 3 – Civic Holiday
Whether camping, celebrating John Galt Day in Guelph or just relaxing with the family on a Monday off, people were still learning the government dissolved the day before.
Saturday, Aug. 22 – It snowed in Calgary
A frost advisory was also issued. Only in Alberta was the prevailing sentiment. Even the Weather Network seemed a bit surprised at the forecast.
Are you seeing THIS in Calgary? BTW, it's August, right? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/absnow?src=hash">#absnow</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/abstorm?src=hash">#abstorm</a> <a href="http://t.co/OGFjIgxsGB">pic.twitter.com/OGFjIgxsGB</a>
—@weathernetworkMonday, Sept. 7 – Labour Day
The unofficial end to summer was just the second of three statutory holidays over which the marathon campaign spanned.
Thursday, Sept. 10 – Toronto International Film Festival started
Canadian actor Donald Sutherland weighed in on the election while in Toronto.
Thursday, Sept. 10 – NFL Kicked Off
Forget about political footballs. We're talking pigskin. With the CFL well underway, the NFL started with deflategate behind it and the New England Patriots beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-21.
Sunday, Sept. 20 – Emmy Awards were handed out
Long-standing barriers fell as Viola Davis became the first non-white actress to claim top drama acting honours, Jon Hamm finally won for Mad Men, and Game of Thrones overcame anti-fantasy resistance to claim the top drama award, its 12th Emmy overall.
Sunday, Sept. 20 – Toronto International Film Festival Ended
The 40th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival ended after nearly two weeks of famous faces, excited fans and most importantly — new flicks. The movie Room, which is based on a best-selling novel, won the People's Choice Award.
Wednesday, Sept. 23 – First Day of Fall
Change was in the air and we're not talking politics. Summer left and fall arrived.
Friday, Sept. 26 – Toronto Blue Jays clinched a playoff berth
After 22 years, the Toronto Blue Jays finally made the post-season, the first time since they won the World Series in 1993.
Friday, Oct. 2 – 'Jacket Weather' arrived
Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau was the first leader to be photographed wearing a jacket as temperatures across Canada started to fall. Eventually, all the major party leaders had to add an extra layer.
Monday, Oct. 5 – The Giller Prize Short List announced
The shortlisted finalists for the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize are as follows:
- André Alexis for Fifteen Dogs.
- Samuel Archibald/Donald Winkler (translator) for Arvida.
- Rachel Cusk for Outline.
- Heather O'Neill for Daydreams of Angels.
- Anakana Schofield for Martin John.
Tuesday, Oct. 6 – Major League Baseball Playoffs started
The Houston Astros and New York Yankees got it all started while the Jays watched and waited.
Wednesday, Oct. 7 – NHL Dropped the Puck
The NHL regular season started with a very Canadian feel. The Montreal Canadiens beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-1 and the Vancouver Canucks hammered the Calgary Flames 5-1 to start the season.
Monday , Oct. 12 – Thanksgiving
It's a safe bet there were some giving thanks to the fact they were only one week away from this marathon campaign ending.