TRU GRIT
JUSTIN Trudeau's Liberal Party has retained power after a tense election plagued by his blackface storm.
However a narrow election win means he is forced to lead a minority government as prime minister.
4
4
His party will claim the most seats in parliament but their second term will be much harder, relying on other parties to pass legislation.
He told supporters in Montreal: "You did it my friends. Congratulations!"
Turning to address those across the country who voted for him, he said: "Thank you for having faith in us to move our country in the right direction."
He said: "We all want safer communities, a cleaner planet and a better quality of life. We seek hardship for none and prosperity for all, and if we unite around these common goals, I know we can achieve them.
"In the years ahead, our team will work hard to build on the progress.
"We will champion Canada in all its diversity. We will always put this country and its people first."
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.
Trudeau, who took power in 2015 as a charismatic figure promising "sunny ways," saw his popularity drop over old photos of him in blackface.
The famously right-on leader, 47, was forced to issued grovelling apologies for repeatedly changing his race in bizarre costumes for parties in his youth.
He was also hurt by a scandal that erupted this year when his former attorney general said he pressured her to halt the prosecution of a Quebec company.
Trudeau, son of the liberal icon and late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, is one of the few remaining progressive world leaders in the Trump era and even appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine under the headline "Why Can't He Be Our President?"
But he will now have to rely on the New Democratic Party to push through key legislation. Minority governments in Canada rarely last more than 2/2.5 years.
most read in news
Trudeau battled Conservative leader Andrew Scheer for the chance to form the next government.
In his concession speech, Scheer said the results showed Trudeau was much weakened since his 2015 election.
He said: "Tonight Conservatives have put Justin Trudeau on notice. And Mr Trudeau when your government falls, Conservatives will be ready and we will win."
Trudeau was given a last-minute boost with an endorsement by former US President Barack Obama.
US President Donald Trump, whose relationship with Trudeau has been testy at times, congratulated him "on a wonderful and hard fought victory" on Twitter.
4
4
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologises for wearing brown face make-up in 2001
Topics