Justin Trudeau and the federal Liberals won the election, but his grip is not as firm as it was four years ago as the majority that he received in 2015 was reduced to a majority as they won 21 fewer seats.
Despite that, Trudeau was in a celebratory mood as he spoke to supporters in Quebec.
“Tonight from coast to coast to coast, Canadians rejected division and negativity.” Trudeau said. “They rejected cuts and austerity and they voted in favour of a progressive agenda and action on climate change.”
Trudeau also had a message for Alberta and Saskatchewan where his party failed to win a seat as the Conservatives won all 14 seats in Saskatchewan and 33 of 34 seats in Alberta with the NDP winning the other one. He told people in both that they are an essential part of Canada.
“I’ve heard your frustration and I want to be there to support you.” Trudeau said. “Let us all work hard to bring our country together. ”
Conservative leader Andrew Scheer lost the Prime Minister seat, but is overall proud of the campaign.
“After the 2015 election, when Justin Trudeau looked unstoppable, when all the experts said it was the beginning of another Trudeau dynasty, that he would have eight or even 12 years in power, but tonight Conservatives have put Justin Trudeau on notice,” Scheer said. “And Mr. Trudeau, when your government falls, Conservatives will be ready and we will win.”
The PC’s became the official opposition with 122 seats, gaining 27 since 2015. Scheer said Canadians have passed judgement on the Liberal government. “Not only have they lost over 20 seats, but Mr. Trudeau has also lost votes and lost support in every region of the country. Ladies and gentlemen we knew this ws never going to be easy, but nothing worth achieving ever is.”
“We have picked up seats and support in almost every region of the country and at the time I walked onto the stage, we are leading the popular vote,” he added. “More Canadians wanted us to win this election than any other party.”
Scheer did win his riding of Regina-Qu’Appelle.
(With files from Mackenzie Read and Mitchell Blair)
