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Canada election: Trudeau's Liberals win second term but lose majority

Liberal Leader and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers his victory speech at his election night headquarters on October 21, 2019 in Montreal, Canada.
Justin Trudeau delivers his victory speech at his election night headquarters on Monday, Montreal, Canada. Photo: Cole Burston/Getty Images

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party was set to form a minority government after being re-elected Monday in a close election race in Canada, CBC and CTV News projections show.

By the numbers: The Liberals had won or were leading in 157 of the 338 available seats, according to results early Tuesday. Nearest rival the Conservative Party has secured 121 seats, per CBC.

What they're saying: President Trump tweeted a congratulatory message to Trudeau on what he called "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!"
— Trump's tweet to Trudeau

The big picture: After seeing his popularity plummet, Trudeau received a welcome boost last Wednesday from former President Barack Obama, who made a rare endorsement of a foreign leader in a tweet stating that "the world needs" the Canadian PM's "progressive leadership."

  • Per Axios' Dave Lawler, Trudeau's popularity first plunged "under the disillusionment that hampers many incumbents, particularly on the idealistic left."
  • Then Trudeau's high-principled public image took a dive with an ethics breach that began in February, and last month he was hit with a racism scandal in which photos emerged of him wearing brownface and blackface when he was younger.

Go deeper: Trudeau’s pivot: Vows to ban military-style assault rifles, including AR-15

Editor's note: This is a developing news story. Please check back for updates.

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