Liberal Party Wins Canada Elections Ousting Conservative Party After Almost A Decade; Next Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Says ‘It’s Time For A Change’
Justin Trudeau was designated as the new prime minister of Canada after his Liberal Party defeated Conservative Party in a general election, ending Stephen Harper's near-decade in power.
The Wall Street Journal forecasted Oct. 20 that Liberal Party candidates secured 184 out of 338 seats, while Harper's party was elected in 99 districts across the country.
The newly designated leader said the result of the general election is a manifestation that "it's time for a change."
"We beat fear with hope, we beat cynicism with hard work," Trudeau said. "Most of all we defeated the idea that Canadians should be satisfied with less."
"This is what positive politics can do."
He went on, "Most of all we defeated the idea that Canadians should be satisfied with less, and that better isn't possible. My friends, this is Canada, where better is always possible."
BBC News reported on the same day that Trudeau's party vowed to reduce the income taxes for Canadians who belong to the middle class, compensate for infrastructure spending and to address environmental issues.
Aside from that, the Liberal Party also pledged to accept more Syrian refugees for resettlement in the country and to legalize marijuana in Canada.
Further reports have revealed that the Liberal Party was on the third spot when the campaign started.
Meanwhile, incumbent Conservative PM Harper accepted his defeat and congratulated Trudeau. Reports say that Harper will step down as the head of the Conservative Party, but will continue in parliament as a lawmaker.
"We put everything on the table, we gave everything we had to give and we have no regrets," Harper said, as noted by CNN Oct. 20. "The people of Canada have elected a Liberal government, which we accept without hesitation."
On the other hand, Canada's next prime minister is the eldest son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, who is regarded as the father of modern Canada.
The young Trudeau is expected to take the office on November 4. 43-year-old Trudeau will be the second youngest prime minister of Canada.