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Canada election: Trudeau hails Liberal win as Harper steps down as leader – live Canada election: Trudeau hails Liberal win as Harper steps down as leader – live
(35 minutes later)
10.03am BST10:03
Fair tax campaign and adviser to Jeremy Corbyn, Richard Murphy, claims that Trudeau won by campaigning to the left of the NDP on economics.
Writing on his blog, he says:
When will the right wing of social democratic parties realise that you can’t win an election by claiming to be on the left and yet offer austerity? Time after time it fails, and rightly so.
And it will in the UK again unless Labour does really embrace what it means to be on the economic left.
9.49am BST09:49
Trudeau's victory splits Britain's Labour party
Trudeau’s victory has exposed continuing divisions in Britain’s Labour party as rival factions offering contrasting interpretations of the results.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell is spinning the victory of the Liberal party as a boost for the kind of anti-austerity policies prompted by Labour’s new leader Jeremy Corbyn.
I congratulate Liberal Party of Canada on resounding election victory on clear anti-austerity & investment to grow economy platform.
Fellow Corbynista Grahame Morris, the Labour MP for Easington, makes a similar point.
New Canadian PM vows to raise taxes on the highest earners and run a budget deficit for the next 3yrs to invest and trigger economic growth
But for one of Corbyn’s opponents in the party, the MP John Mann, the real lesson from Canada for Labour is the collapse in the vote for the New Democrats under Thomas Mulcair.
Everyone in #Labour needs to learn from the election decimation of Thomas Mulcair and the New Democrats in Canada https://t.co/6EPko4utSj
What Mann doesn’t mention is that Trudeau was seen as outflanking Mulcair to the left during the campaign.
One time leadership contender Chuka Umunna made a more subtle dig at Corbyn.
Many congrats to @JustinTrudeau and Canada's progressives on an incredible win! -shows how a modern, optimistic campaign can beat the right
Updated at 9.50am BST
9.19am BST09:199.19am BST09:19
SummarySummary
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
This is what positive politics can do. This is what a positive, hopeful, a hopeful vision, and a platform and a team together can make happen.This is what positive politics can do. This is what a positive, hopeful, a hopeful vision, and a platform and a team together can make happen.
Canadians from all across this great country sent a clear message tonight, it’s time for a change in this country, my friends, a real change.Canadians from all across this great country sent a clear message tonight, it’s time for a change in this country, my friends, a real change.
Canadians have turned the page on 10 long years. They have rejected the politics of fear and division.Canadians have turned the page on 10 long years. They have rejected the politics of fear and division.
I’m handing over this live blog now to my colleague Matthew Weaver. Thanks for reading.I’m handing over this live blog now to my colleague Matthew Weaver. Thanks for reading.
9.14am BST09:149.14am BST09:14
India’s prime minister Narendra Modi has tweeted his congratulations to the new PM, saying he has “fond memories” of his visit to Canada in April:India’s prime minister Narendra Modi has tweeted his congratulations to the new PM, saying he has “fond memories” of his visit to Canada in April:
We attach high priority to close ties with Canada. We share a strong bond of democracy & inclusiveness enriched by a vibrant Indian diasporaWe attach high priority to close ties with Canada. We share a strong bond of democracy & inclusiveness enriched by a vibrant Indian diaspora
It was also great meeting your daughter, whom you had woken up early that day. Best wishes. :) @JustinTrudeau pic.twitter.com/nXZeu0BfUcIt was also great meeting your daughter, whom you had woken up early that day. Best wishes. :) @JustinTrudeau pic.twitter.com/nXZeu0BfUc
9.03am BST09:039.03am BST09:03
Aside from the three main parties, the smaller groupings have mostly failed to score any seats in the new parliament (you can see the full list here).Aside from the three main parties, the smaller groupings have mostly failed to score any seats in the new parliament (you can see the full list here).
Two that will be making an appearance in parliament are the Bloc Québécois, which has taken 10 seats, and the Green party, with one seat, down from two before the dissolution. Green leader Elizabeth May was re-elected in the Saanich–Gulf Islands.Two that will be making an appearance in parliament are the Bloc Québécois, which has taken 10 seats, and the Green party, with one seat, down from two before the dissolution. Green leader Elizabeth May was re-elected in the Saanich–Gulf Islands.
Related: Elizabeth May: Canadian Green leader elbows her way into election pictureRelated: Elizabeth May: Canadian Green leader elbows her way into election picture
Updated at 9.09am BSTUpdated at 9.09am BST
8.49am BST08:498.49am BST08:49
What of Stephen Harper, the Conservative prime minister now out of that role – and that of leader of his party – after close to a decade in the top job?What of Stephen Harper, the Conservative prime minister now out of that role – and that of leader of his party – after close to a decade in the top job?
Shortly before the election, my colleague Nick Davies put together this in-depth profile of a “deeply unpopular politician” – who was nonetheless, at that point, still a contender to emerge from the election as prime minister:Shortly before the election, my colleague Nick Davies put together this in-depth profile of a “deeply unpopular politician” – who was nonetheless, at that point, still a contender to emerge from the election as prime minister:
In the 11 years since he became leader of the country’s Conservatives, the party has been fined for breaking electoral rules, and various members of Team Harper have been caught misleading parliament, gagging civil servants, subverting parliamentary committees, gagging scientists, harassing the supreme court, gagging diplomats, lying to the public, concealing evidence of potential crime, spying on opponents, bullying and smearing.In the 11 years since he became leader of the country’s Conservatives, the party has been fined for breaking electoral rules, and various members of Team Harper have been caught misleading parliament, gagging civil servants, subverting parliamentary committees, gagging scientists, harassing the supreme court, gagging diplomats, lying to the public, concealing evidence of potential crime, spying on opponents, bullying and smearing.
Harper personally has earned himself the rare rebuke of being found to be in contempt of his parliament.Harper personally has earned himself the rare rebuke of being found to be in contempt of his parliament.
One of his many biographers, John Ibbitson of the Globe and Mail newspaper, who is more sympathetic than most, concludes: “No prime minister in history and no political party have been loathed as intensely as Stephen Harper and the Conservative party.”One of his many biographers, John Ibbitson of the Globe and Mail newspaper, who is more sympathetic than most, concludes: “No prime minister in history and no political party have been loathed as intensely as Stephen Harper and the Conservative party.”
Yet this deeply unpopular politician has won three elections in the last nine years.Yet this deeply unpopular politician has won three elections in the last nine years.
Related: Stephen Harper: master manipulator | Nick DaviesRelated: Stephen Harper: master manipulator | Nick Davies
8.44am BST08:448.44am BST08:44
Nick Clegg – remember him? – is cheered by the result in Canada:Nick Clegg – remember him? – is cheered by the result in Canada:
Congratulations @JustinTrudeau. Nice to see a Liberal beat Conservative message of fear for once!Congratulations @JustinTrudeau. Nice to see a Liberal beat Conservative message of fear for once!
(For our non-UK readers, here’s who Nick Clegg is.)(For our non-UK readers, here’s who Nick Clegg is.)
8.42am BST08:428.42am BST08:42
“Sunny ways, my friends, sunny ways,” is how Trudeau began his victory speech in Montreal, as he lauded what he called the power of “positive politics”.“Sunny ways, my friends, sunny ways,” is how Trudeau began his victory speech in Montreal, as he lauded what he called the power of “positive politics”.
He even directed a note of positivity towards the defeated Conservatives, telling Liberal supporters:He even directed a note of positivity towards the defeated Conservatives, telling Liberal supporters:
Conservatives are not our enemies, they’re our neighbours.Conservatives are not our enemies, they’re our neighbours.
But he did take a shot at some of Harper’s more controversial policies:But he did take a shot at some of Harper’s more controversial policies:
Canada was built by people from all corners of the world. We believe in our hearts that this country’s unique diversity is a blessing bestowed upon us by previous generations of Canadians. Canadians who stared down prejudice and discrimination in all its forms.Canada was built by people from all corners of the world. We believe in our hearts that this country’s unique diversity is a blessing bestowed upon us by previous generations of Canadians. Canadians who stared down prejudice and discrimination in all its forms.
[Canadians] know in their heart of hearts that a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian.[Canadians] know in their heart of hearts that a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian.
8.33am BST08:338.33am BST08:33
It’s fair to say there hasn’t yet been a flood of congratulations from other world leaders but it’s early and they are starting to pop up now: this is from Italy’s prime minister, Matteo Renzi:It’s fair to say there hasn’t yet been a flood of congratulations from other world leaders but it’s early and they are starting to pop up now: this is from Italy’s prime minister, Matteo Renzi:
Hi @JustinTrudeau!Looking forward to seeing you at G20;will work together to make the bonds between Canada and Italy ever stronger.Good luckHi @JustinTrudeau!Looking forward to seeing you at G20;will work together to make the bonds between Canada and Italy ever stronger.Good luck
8.23am BST08:238.23am BST08:23
A short primer for readers new to this live blog: here are some of the priorities that Trudeau has set for his first weeks in power:A short primer for readers new to this live blog: here are some of the priorities that Trudeau has set for his first weeks in power:
Trudeau on climate changeTrudeau on climate change
He has promised a climate change policy agreed with the provinces within 90 days of the UN climate change summit in Paris in November.He has promised a climate change policy agreed with the provinces within 90 days of the UN climate change summit in Paris in November.
On indigenous rightsOn indigenous rights
“We will build a renewed relationship with indigenous peoples on a nation-to-nation basis,” he has said. “That will include, for example, a national public inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. It will include $2.6bn over four years for First Nations education.”“We will build a renewed relationship with indigenous peoples on a nation-to-nation basis,” he has said. “That will include, for example, a national public inquiry into missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. It will include $2.6bn over four years for First Nations education.”
On abortionOn abortion
He is pro-choice: “It is not for any government to legislate what a woman chooses to do with her body. And that is the bottom line.”He is pro-choice: “It is not for any government to legislate what a woman chooses to do with her body. And that is the bottom line.”
On taxesOn taxes
His first move will be to raise taxes on the richest 1% to fund cuts for the middle classes.His first move will be to raise taxes on the richest 1% to fund cuts for the middle classes.
On marijuanaOn marijuana
Trudeau has said he would start moves to legalise it “right away”, based on the Colorado model.Trudeau has said he would start moves to legalise it “right away”, based on the Colorado model.
On feminismOn feminism
I am a feminist. I’m proud to be a feminist. #upfordebateI am a feminist. I’m proud to be a feminist. #upfordebate
Updated at 8.23am BSTUpdated at 8.23am BST
8.11am BST08:118.11am BST08:11
John Barber, reporting from Toronto, says Trudeau’s victory heralds the return of a sunnier Canada:John Barber, reporting from Toronto, says Trudeau’s victory heralds the return of a sunnier Canada:
The new Canadian leader’s easiest job will be showing the world that Canada has returned to its traditional role of international boy scout, abjuring the hard-right, militaristic and climate-denying record of the Harper government. In that, he will be helped by the fact that the previous government – despite its own rhetoric and that of its enemies – never completely abandoned the role.The new Canadian leader’s easiest job will be showing the world that Canada has returned to its traditional role of international boy scout, abjuring the hard-right, militaristic and climate-denying record of the Harper government. In that, he will be helped by the fact that the previous government – despite its own rhetoric and that of its enemies – never completely abandoned the role.
Canadians and international observers can expect a sharp change in tone if not policy with respect to refugees and Canada’s involvement in the Middle East. In his victory speech, Trudeau also took pains to disavow the previous government’s attempts to win votes by inspiring fear of Muslim women who cover their faces.Canadians and international observers can expect a sharp change in tone if not policy with respect to refugees and Canada’s involvement in the Middle East. In his victory speech, Trudeau also took pains to disavow the previous government’s attempts to win votes by inspiring fear of Muslim women who cover their faces.
“We know thar our enviable, inclusive society didn’t happen by accident, and won’t continue without effort,” he declared.“We know thar our enviable, inclusive society didn’t happen by accident, and won’t continue without effort,” he declared.
But there are challenges ahead:But there are challenges ahead:
The substance of the new leader’s claims will quickly be tested on the international stage at next month’s Paris climate summit, where a hastily assembled Canadian delegation will struggle to shake off the country’s reputation as a laggard in the international fight against climate change.The substance of the new leader’s claims will quickly be tested on the international stage at next month’s Paris climate summit, where a hastily assembled Canadian delegation will struggle to shake off the country’s reputation as a laggard in the international fight against climate change.
That may be more difficult than imagined, given Trudeau’s consistent support for the Canadian oil industry, especially the notoriously dirty tar sands.That may be more difficult than imagined, given Trudeau’s consistent support for the Canadian oil industry, especially the notoriously dirty tar sands.
Related: Indigenous Canadians take leading role in battle against tar sands pipelineRelated: Indigenous Canadians take leading role in battle against tar sands pipeline
8.01am BST08:018.01am BST08:01
Well, I say unlikely contender. As a four-month-old, Justin Trudeau was heralded as a future Canadian prime minister by then US president Richard Nixon. Which is an endorsement of sorts.Well, I say unlikely contender. As a four-month-old, Justin Trudeau was heralded as a future Canadian prime minister by then US president Richard Nixon. Which is an endorsement of sorts.
As CBC News reports:As CBC News reports:
“Tonight we’ll dispense with the formalities. I’d like to toast the future prime minister of Canada: to Justin Pierre Trudeau,” Richard Nixon said at a gala buffet in April 1972 during a state visit to Ottawa when Trudeau was just four months old.“Tonight we’ll dispense with the formalities. I’d like to toast the future prime minister of Canada: to Justin Pierre Trudeau,” Richard Nixon said at a gala buffet in April 1972 during a state visit to Ottawa when Trudeau was just four months old.
According to a contemporary news wire report, Trudeau’s father Pierre, then nearing the end of his first four-year Liberal mandate as prime minister, responded that should his eldest son – born on Christmas Day 1971 – ever become Canada’s leader, “I hope he has the grace and skill of the president.”According to a contemporary news wire report, Trudeau’s father Pierre, then nearing the end of his first four-year Liberal mandate as prime minister, responded that should his eldest son – born on Christmas Day 1971 – ever become Canada’s leader, “I hope he has the grace and skill of the president.”
This is Justin Trudeau, on the left, being scooped up by his father, Pierre, who was returning from an overseas trip in 1983:This is Justin Trudeau, on the left, being scooped up by his father, Pierre, who was returning from an overseas trip in 1983:
Updated at 8.04am BSTUpdated at 8.04am BST
7.53am BST07:537.53am BST07:53
How did Justin Trudeau pull off this victory? Just a few months ago, he was an unlikely contender to be Canada’s next prime minister.How did Justin Trudeau pull off this victory? Just a few months ago, he was an unlikely contender to be Canada’s next prime minister.
Running third in the polls, behind the incumbent Conservatives and the resurgent leftwing New Democratic party, Trudeau – son of legendary prime minister Pierre Trudeau – was slated as too young (he is 43) and too inexperienced to haul his beleaguered Liberal party out of the electoral mess of the 2011 general election.Running third in the polls, behind the incumbent Conservatives and the resurgent leftwing New Democratic party, Trudeau – son of legendary prime minister Pierre Trudeau – was slated as too young (he is 43) and too inexperienced to haul his beleaguered Liberal party out of the electoral mess of the 2011 general election.
What changed? Harper’s tactics, referring to his challenger condescendingly as “Justin” and campaign ads that poked fun at his “nice hair”, found no grip among a section of the electorate that wanted the Conservatives out at all costs, and increasingly saw Trudeau as the best chance of achieving that.What changed? Harper’s tactics, referring to his challenger condescendingly as “Justin” and campaign ads that poked fun at his “nice hair”, found no grip among a section of the electorate that wanted the Conservatives out at all costs, and increasingly saw Trudeau as the best chance of achieving that.
The long election campaign – the longest, in fact, since 1872, at 78 days – gave the Liberals the time to build on that boost. Trudeau told the Guardian in July that he relished it: “If there’s one thing that recent history in Canada has shown it’s that campaigns really matter. And there’s a tremendous volatility among voters who are just looking for the right alternative.”The long election campaign – the longest, in fact, since 1872, at 78 days – gave the Liberals the time to build on that boost. Trudeau told the Guardian in July that he relished it: “If there’s one thing that recent history in Canada has shown it’s that campaigns really matter. And there’s a tremendous volatility among voters who are just looking for the right alternative.”
Related: Justin Trudeau: who is Canada's new prime minister?Related: Justin Trudeau: who is Canada's new prime minister?
7.34am BST07:347.34am BST07:34
Opening summaryOpening summary
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the Canadian general election, which has seen Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party score a stunning victory over the Conservative government of Stephen Harper.Welcome to our continuing live coverage of the Canadian general election, which has seen Justin Trudeau’s Liberal party score a stunning victory over the Conservative government of Stephen Harper.
Here’s how the night panned out:Here’s how the night panned out:
This is what positive politics can do. This is what a positive, hopeful, a hopeful vision, and a platform and a team together can make happen.This is what positive politics can do. This is what a positive, hopeful, a hopeful vision, and a platform and a team together can make happen.
Canadians from all across this great country sent a clear message tonight, it’s time for a change in this country, my friends, a real change.Canadians from all across this great country sent a clear message tonight, it’s time for a change in this country, my friends, a real change.
Canadians have turned the page on 10 long years. They have rejected the politics of fear and division.Canadians have turned the page on 10 long years. They have rejected the politics of fear and division.
Updated at 8.13am BSTUpdated at 8.13am BST