Published 11:40 IST, October 22nd 2019
Justin Trudeau scrapes through in Canada election; Donald Trump reacts
US President Donald Trump took no time for congratulating Canadian Prime Minister and Liberals leader Justin Trudeau on his second consecutive but narrow win.
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US President Donald Trump took no time to congratulate Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on his second consecutive but narrow win. Even before Trudeau’s victory speech, Trump took to Twitter calling it a “wonderful and hard fought victory”.
Congratulations to @JustinTrudeau on a wonderful and hard fought victory. Canada is well served. I look forward to working with you toward the betterment of both of our countries!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 22, 2019
Forced to run minority government
Justin Trudeau and the Conservatives leader Andrew Scheer were the major contenders for the top post, however, out of 338 parliamentary seats, the Conservatives were able to win 122 while the Liberals won the elections with 156 seats. Though Trudeau has won the elections, he will be forced to run a minority government.
'Hardships for none and prosperity for all'
Trudeau, in his speech, set the objectives for his government as ‘hardships for none and prosperity for all’. Trudeau emphasized on his progressive agenda and said he will work for everyone irrespective of who voted for whom.
Thank you, Canada, for putting your trust in our team and for having faith in us to move this country in the right direction. Regardless of how you cast your vote, our team will work hard for all Canadians.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 22, 2019
He also touched upon the issue of climate change and called it the “biggest challenge of our times”.
“We all want safer communities, a cleaner planet and a better quality of life. We seek hardship for none and prosperity for all, and if we unite around these common goals, I know we can achieve them,” said Trudeau.
Trudeau accused of racism
Trudeau’s election campaign was marred with controversies, especially the one around his brownface and blackface pictures that surfaced. Trudeau, who is considered a progressive leader, was heavily criticised for his past actions. Though he apologised "unconditionally", the controversy had an impact on his progressive image.
"I recognize that it is something absolutely unacceptable to do,” he said during a news conference in September. “It wasn’t a good idea, it was a terrible idea. It was something that minimizes and takes advantage of a reality that I have not had to live with of being discriminated against, of being marginalised, of being judged for the colour of my skin, for my language, my background,” he added.
11:19 IST, October 22nd 2019