Canada election: Justin Trudeau to form minority government after narrow victory

Justin Trudeau's ruling Liberal Party has retained power but will form a minority government after a narrow victory in the Canada election.

The result means Prime Minister Mr Trudeau will require the support of a smaller left-leaning party after the hard-fought campaign in which he was dogged by scandals.

The Liberals had won or were leading in 156 out of 338 seats in Monday's vote, according to Elections Canada. That put the Liberals far short of the 170 seats needed for a second straight majority government.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reacts beside his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau after the federal election
REUTERS

"You did it, my friends. Congratulations," Mr Trudeau told supporters in Montreal as he claimed victory early on Tuesday.

Ahead of the vote, polls showed a tight race between Mr Trudeau and his main rival, Conservative leader Andrew Scheer.

Mr Trudeau, who to took power in 2015, saw his popularity drop over old photos of him in blackface and his handling of a corporate corruption case.

Justin Trudeau waves to his supporters at the Palais des Congres in Montreal
AFP via Getty Images

He will now have to rely on the New Democratic Party (NDP) to push through key legislation after failing to secure a majority.

Although the NDP had a disappointing night, as the number of seats it was projected to win was down sharply from the 2015 election, the party could exercise significant influence over Mr Trudeau's next government.

Justin Trudeau - In pictures

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NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said he had spoken with Mr Trudeau and vowed to "work hard to deliver on the country's priorities."

The Conservatives, who trailed on Monday with 121 seats, actually won the national popular vote, according to preliminary results.

Mr Trudeau, 47, was endorsed by former US President Barack Obama in the final stretch of the campaign.

Conservative leader Andrew Scheer speaks on stage after being defeated by Mr Trudeau's Liberal Party
AFP via Getty Images

US President Donald Trump, whose relationship with Mr Trudeau has been testy at times, congratulated him "on a wonderful and hard fought victory" in a post on Twitter.

Two Liberal Cabinet ministers lost their seats in western Canada, including veteran Ralph Goodale, the public safety minister.

Conservative leader Mr Scheer, 40, promised to balance the federal budget and eliminate a "carbon tax" on fossil fuels. He was running his first campaign as party leader after winning a bitter leadership fight in 2017.