Scandal-scarred Trudeau retains power in Canada but loses majority

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party has retained power but a narrow election win means he is forced to lead a minority government.

His party will claim the most seats in parliament but their second term will be much harder, relying on other parties to pass legislation, the BBC reports.

The Liberals are expected to claim 156 seats, 14 short of a majority.

His center-right Conservative rivals are heading for 122 seats, a marked increase from the 95 it held before.

The results could be good news for the country’s left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) and its leader Jagmeet Singh, who could be the kingmaker.

This federal election was seen as a referendum on Mr. Trudeau, who endured a bumpy first term, tainted by scandal.

• Canada police launch investigation into murder of Australian, American tourists

Trudeau was buffeted by controversy throughout his first term.

In the early days of his tenure, the prime minister had used 4.5 billion Canadian dollars in government money, or about $3.4 billion, to buy a pipeline connecting Alberta’s oil sands to the Pacific Coast.

He is also a self-declared feminist who was accused of bullying his own female attorney general.

Trudeau, in his first reaction to the election victory, told cheering supporters in Montreal: “You did it my friends. Congratulations!”

Turning to address those across the country who voted for him, he said: “Thank you for having faith in us to move our country in the right direction.”

And to those who did not back him, he promised his party would govern for everyone.

His weakened grip on power is being seen as a rebuke of his record but the result is bitterly disappointing for Conservative leader Andrew Scheer.

His party is expected to win the popular vote but failed to translate that support into seats.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now