In a dramatic turn of events, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced a significant setback as the Liberal Party lost the by-election in the party’s long-held stronghold, the Toronto-St. Paul constituency. The seat, held by the Liberals for over 30 years, was seized by Conservative candidate Don Stewart with 42% of the vote, defeating former Parliament Hill staffer Leslie Church, who secured about 40% of the ballots.
The loss comes as a major blow to Trudeau and his government, especially with a national election expected next year. Following the defeat, Trudeau promised to address the voters’ concerns and frustrations, acknowledging the challenging times. Despite the setback, Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to lead the Liberal Party into the upcoming elections and work towards delivering tangible progress that Canadians can see and benefit from.
Trudeau’s approval ratings have plummeted to a record low of 30%, according to reports, underscoring the challenges facing the Prime Minister. His main rival, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievr, urged Trudeau to call an early election in light of the results, criticizing the government’s economic record and stance on international issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The Conservative campaign in Toronto-St. Paul’s focused heavily on economic issues and accused Trudeau of being too lenient in supporting Israel, aiming to sway the district’s Jewish population. The unexpected victory in the Liberal stronghold signifies a significant shift in the Canadian political landscape, with experts suggesting that the Conservatives’ win reflects growing discontent with the Liberal Party.
As Trudeau grapples with the aftermath of the defeat, internal discussions within the Liberal Party have emerged about potential changes. While some members advocate for Trudeau’s resignation, others call for a strategic shift in leadership or policy to regain support. With mounting pressure on Trudeau and the Liberals, the upcoming election cycle is shaping up to be a critical test for the party’s future prospects.
