The nation saw a surge of support for the Liberal party on Monday night, that saw the party sweep into a majority government in the 42nd federal election.
The Liberals won a decisive majority government, capturing 184 seats. The Conservatives, who will now represent the official opposition earned 99 seats. The NDP, once a front runner in the 78 day long campaign, captured 44 seats, followed by the Bloc Quebecois with 10 and the Green Party with one seat.
In his victory speech late Monday night, Prime Minister Elect Justin Trudeau immediately addressed issues that came up during the election campaign.
“We believe in our hearts that this country’s unique diversity is a blessing bestowed upon us by previous generations of Canadians,” he said. “I’ve always known this. Canadians know it, too. If not, I might have spoken earlier this evening and have given a very different speech.
“Canadians have spoken,” he said. “You want a government with a vision, and an agenda for this country that is positive, and ambitious, and hopeful. Well my friends, I promise you tonight, that I will lead that government. I will make that vision a reality. I will be that prime minister. We beat fear with hope. We beat cynicism with hard work. We beat negative, divisive politics with a positive vision that brings Canadians together.”
Alberta Premier Rachel Notley issued a statement congratulating Trudeau on his victory.
“I look forward to working collaboratively with him to build a strong Alberta within a strong Canada,” she said. “As leaders, we need to work together to build important infrastructure, strengthen our health care system, address climate change and develop a respectful relationship with Indigenous peoples. By growing our economy and protecting the environment, we can continue to make Alberta and Canada a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
Alberta Wildrose Leader Brian Jean also issued a statement after the results of the federal election on Monday evening.
“On behalf of the Wildrose Official Opposition, I congratulate Justin Trudeau on the results of today’s decisive election,” he said. “The Liberals had a well run campaign and I look forward to having an opportunity to discuss key priorities for Alberta with the new prime minister in the following months.
“The results show that Canadians were ready for a change in government. I commend Stephen Harper on his leadership and vision for the country over the past decade – he is leaving Canada a stronger and more economically stable country than when he started. It was an honour to serve under his strong leadership.”
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