Aug. 25 (Bloomberg) -- Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper may trigger a general election as early as Sept. 5, scheduling the vote for Oct. 14, CTV reported, citing Conservative party officials it didn't identify by name.

Launching the campaign in early September would cancel four by-elections planned to fill seats that have become vacant since the last election, CTV said.

Harper favors a short campaign because it would be cheaper for taxpayers, CTV said.

To contact the reporter on this story: Alexandre Deslongchamps in Ottawa at adeslongcham@bloomberg.net.

Last Updated: August 25, 2008 08:53 EDT