Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper ordered the country’s Parliament to be dissolved, kicking off an extended election campaign in which the Conservative leader will vie for a fourth term amid a deteriorating economy, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The move, announced Sunday, August 2, doesn’t alter the timing of Canada’s scheduled Oct. 19 elections, but it lengthens the official campaign season to 11 weeks—more than double that of recent Canadian races. The longer period plays to the Conservative Party’s strengths because it has a far bigger war chest to tap than its two main political rivals, the Journal says.

The prime minister said that management of the economy was his party’s priority, and stressed his experience in dealing with the economy and national security as a crucial advantage over his rivals. He said a lengthy campaign was needed so Canadians could explore the options and make a “serious choice.”

“This is an election about leadership on the big issues that affect us all. It is an election about who will protect our economy in a period of ongoing global instability and secure Canada’s prosperity. And it’s about who is best equipped to make the tough calls to keep our country safe,” Harper said, according to the Journal.