Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suffered a significant defeat in a Montreal special election, losing to the Bloc Quebecois in the traditionally Liberal district of LaSalle-Emard-Verdun. The loss follows a previous defeat in Toronto, raising pressure on Trudeau to resign before the 2025 election. With the Liberal base in urban areas, these defeats indicate a broader political trouble for Trudeau, contrasted by the Conservatives' momentum under leader Pierre Poilievre.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party experienced a series of unexpected defeats in recent federal by-elections, losing in traditionally Liberal districts of LaSalle-Emard-Verdun in Montreal and Toronto-St. Paul's [1]. The losses, which follow a defeat in Toronto earlier this year, have heightened pressure on Trudeau to consider resigning before the 2025 general election.
In LaSalle-Emard-Verdun, the Bloc Quebecois (BQ) candidate, Ghislain Fortin, secured a surprise victory over the Liberal candidate, Pascale Ducharme, with 38.3% of the votes [2]. The BQ's win in this historically Liberal district is a significant blow to Trudeau, as his party has traditionally relied on support from urban areas.
The defeat in Toronto-St. Paul's was even more stunning, with Conservative candidate Don Stewart securing a narrow victory over Liberal candidate Leslie Church [1]. The Conservatives' win in this long-time Liberal riding was unexpected, as internal polls had indicated a closer race, and the Liberal Party had expected to maintain its hold on the seat [1].
The losses come at a time when Trudeau's Liberal Party is facing criticism for its handling of various issues, including the economy and rising inflation. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has been gaining momentum, with his party capitalizing on voter frustration and Trudeau's perceived weaknesses [3].
While Trudeau has not yet addressed the broader questions about his future, his focus remains on delivering tangible results to Canadians and addressing their concerns. With the 2025 general election fast approaching, however, it remains to be seen whether Trudeau will be able to turn the tide and secure another term in office.
References:
[1] CTV News. (2023, February 27). Conservative Don Stewart wins Toronto-St. Paul's federal byelection. https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/conservative-don-stewart-wins-toronto-st-paul-s-federal-byelection-1.6939817
[2] Global News. (2023, February 26). Bloc Quebecois win surprise by-election victory in Montreal riding. https://globalnews.ca/news/8977888/bloc-quebecois-win-surprise-byelection-victory-in-montreal-riding/
[3] CBC News. (2023, February 27). Trudeau, Poilievre and the NDP react to Toronto-St. Paul's byelection result. https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/toronto-st-paul-s-byelection-result-1.6939871