Maple News reports that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party has secured victory in Canada’s 2021 federal election, marking their third consecutive win. However, the party fell short of achieving a majority and will instead form another minority government, as forecasted by major news outlets following the 36-day campaign.
Due to a high number of mail-in ballots and COVID-related delays at polling stations, full election results are expected to be finalized several days after election night. Analysts anticipate that the Liberals will win roughly the same number of seats as they did in 2019, about 157, well below the 170 needed for a majority.
Trudeau had called for an early election two years ahead of schedule in an effort to secure a majority mandate. Despite falling short of that goal, the Liberals will remain in power and continue to govern with the support of opposition parties when necessary.
Since first taking office in 2015 with a majority government, the Liberals have maintained their immigration-friendly policies, even amid minority rule since 2019. Given the current election outcome, no major immigration policy shifts are expected, allowing the Liberal government to continue its existing agenda.
Throughout the 2021 campaign, topics like climate change, housing affordability, and economic recovery dominated national debate. Immigration received less attention but remained part of the major parties’ platforms. Both the Liberals and Conservatives committed to increasing immigration levels, reducing application backlogs, and improving the process of recognizing foreign credentials.
Despite the close race between Liberals and Conservatives in national polls, the outcome reaffirms Canadians’ continued support for a progressive immigration policy. Opposition parties such as the Bloc Québécois and the New Democratic Party (NDP) also returned to Parliament with substantial numbers, but immigration is unlikely to become a highly divisive issue across party lines.
Since taking minority control in 2019, the Liberals have been able to implement their immigration platform with minimal resistance. Opposition parties have primarily focused on challenging the government over pandemic handling, economic issues, and foreign policy matters, rather than immigration.
For immigrants and policy-watchers, the election result signals stability in Canada’s overall approach to immigration, with continued emphasis on economic growth through skilled migration and family reunification.
Maple News will continue to monitor developments and policy updates under the re-elected Liberal government.