Justin Trudeau, the young leader of Canada’s Liberals and the son of a popular former prime minister, has surged to a stunning election victory, bringing a dramatic end to Stephen Harper’s nine-year government. Now, he has the chance to restore the late Pierre Trudeau’s Liberal legacy, which has been under siege during 10 years of Conservative rule under Stephen Harper.
Mr Trudeau, 43, is the son of charismatic former leader Pierre Trudeau, who governed Canada from 1968 to 1979 and again from 1980 to 1984. His victory comes the day after his late father would have turned 95.
Breakdown: Seats won out of 338
- Liberal: 184 (54%)
- Conservative: 99 (29%)
- NDP: 44 (13%)
- BQ: 10 (3%)
- Green: 1 (0%)
A 43-year-old former high school teacher who until recently sported long hair, Trudeau first captured national attention in 2000 with a moving eulogy at his father’s state funeral. He challenged the country to cement Pierre Trudeau’s vision of a united and multicultural Canada, moving many people to tears.
Facts About Canada
- Canada is the second largest country in the world, right after Russia.
- Canada has the largest coastline in the world.
- The US/Canada Border is the longest international border in the world and it lacks military defense.
- After the attack on Pearl Harbor during WWII, Canada declared war on Japan before the US did.
