Canadian PM calls general election for October 19

OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper dissolved parliament Sunday and called for general elections on October 19.

The announcement marks the official kickoff of an 11 week-long campaign in which the Conservative leader will seek a fourth straight term in power, with the sluggish economy expected to be a central issue.

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Harper, in power since 2006, announced the election after meeting with Governor General David Johnston, the representative of Queen Elizabeth II, Canada's nominal head of state in this Commonwealth country.

Harper said the election was about "leadership on the big issues that affect us all, our economy and our nation's security."