Elections Canada Update: Voting is still ongoing in two crucial federal byelections. In Winnipeg, the NDP is leading by a slight margin, while in Montreal, the Liberals and the Bloc Québécois are engaged in a tense three-way contest.
NDP’s Early Edge in Winnipeg
The NDP leads the Conservatives with 48.2% of the vote in the Winnipeg riding of Elmwood—Transcona, according to the first 14,000 votes released by Elections Canada. The Conservatives are in second place with 43.8% of the vote. The NDP may hold onto the seat, which has been empty since Daniel Blaikie quit federal politics, even though the bulk of ballots have not yet been counted.
Although byelections are usually not given much importance in Ottawa, this one is being studied carefully. Because it may indicate future political changes in Canada. For the New Democrats, who want to hang onto their base, in particular, many consider this battle as a measure of the party’s strength.
Liberal Stronghold Faces Threat in Montreal
Meanwhile, the once-safe Liberal bastion in Montreal’s LaSalle—Émard—Verdun riding has turned into a battlefield. As preliminary results came in, Liberal candidate Laura Palestini was lagging in third place. The NDP and the Bloc Québécois are also running, which makes the contest more unpredictable. Party members and volunteers vigorously campaigned until the voting ended, and liberal ministers have visited the region many times.
The disengagement of many voters was noted by Montreal resident Graham Juneau. Who said that despite all the efforts, there hasn’t been much excitement for any of the parties in his group. He declined to vote, saying that “a loss of faith in the political system is clear.”
Stakes for Trudeau and Singh
For Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who suffered a blow when the Conservatives took a Liberal stronghold in a Toronto byelection in June, the stakes are especially high. In light of declining poll ratings, a comparable defeat here may put his leadership much more in jeopardy. If the NDP loses its Winnipeg seat, Jagmeet Singh’s leadership may also be in jeopardy. Particularly in light of his recent decision to sever connections with Trudeau’s Liberal cabinet in an effort to concentrate on the approaching elections.
Elections Canada has issued a warning, stating that the race in Montreal may take longer to tally since there are an unprecedented 91 names on the ballot—the most in all of Canadian political history.
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