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The number of individuals and groups trying to influence Canadian voters this campaign – with the ability to spend millions of dollars in election advertising – has soared to 69 with four weeks until the election.

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These “third parties” all have their own political agendas and have registered with Elections Canada to advocate and run advertising during the federal election campaign.

The 69 third parties registered so far this election are more than double the number a month ago and significantly more than the 55 that registered with Elections Canada for the 2011 campaign.

The sheer number of third parties speaks to how many groups are looking to influence voters and help drive the political agenda leading up to voting day Oct. 19.

The individuals and groups registered for the 2015 campaign include public and private-sector unions; an anything-but-Conservative veterans group; animal rights supporters; a Pakistani Canadians group, the small-government National Citizens Coalition; environmental groups; doctors’ and nurses’ national organizations, and even one called “Voters Against Harper.”