Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s grip on power is tenuous after his Liberal Party suffered a crushing defeat in a recent special election. The Conservative Party secured a historic victory in the Toronto-St Paul’s constituency, marking the first time a Conservative candidate has won in Toronto since 2011.
Trudeau’s response to the loss was lukewarm, acknowledging that the result was “not what we wanted” but downplaying the significance of the defeat. In contrast, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre hailed the win as a “shocking upset” and called on Trudeau to hold a snap election to capitalize on the momentum.
The Liberal Party has been struggling in the polls for months, trailing the Conservatives by double digits. Trudeau has attempted to downplay the numbers, claiming that polls are unreliable and that voters will ultimately make different choices in an election. However, the date for the next Canadian election is looming, and the Liberal Party’s poor performance is likely to continue.
Trudeau’s options are limited, with an early election unlikely and his leadership under pressure. Some have called for him to resign and allow the party to regroup under a new leader, but Trudeau has ruled out this option. Instead, he may be forced to ride out the storm and hope that the Liberal Party can recover in time for the next election.
Meanwhile, Poilievre’s success is a testament to his ability to reshape the Conservative Party and connect with voters. His four-point platform – axe the carbon tax, build homes, fix the budget, and stop crime – has resonated with Canadians, and his rhetorical skills have been praised by commentators. The Liberal Party’s attempts to liken Poilievre to former President Donald Trump have backfired, instead bolstering his support.
As the Liberal Party’s fortunes continue to decline, Trudeau’s demise looks increasingly likely. While his downfall may be well-deserved, Poilievre’s rise to prominence is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his party.
