Despite Toronto-St. Paul’s loss, Freeland says Trudeau should stay as leader

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says she still has faith in Justin Trudeau’s leadership, after a byelection loss to the Conservatives in what had been a Liberal stronghold.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says she still has faith in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership, after the party lost what was once considered one of the safest Liberal seats in the country.

“The prime minister is committed to leading us into the next election and he has our support,” said Freeland at a news conference, following the Liberals’ stunning defeat to the Conservatives in the Toronto-St Paul’s byelection.

The Conservatives won a surprise victory Monday night, swiping the seat from the Liberals for the first time in three decades.

Conservative candidate and financial professional Don Stewart won 42.1 per cent of the vote, beating longtime Liberal staffer Leslie Church, who received 40.5 per cent.

Freeland, who represents the Toronto riding of University-Rosedale and campaigned alongside Church, said the party takes the loss “seriously.”

Trudeau also addressed the defeat at a news conference in Vancouver.

“This was obviously not the result we wanted. But I want to be clear that I hear people’s concerns and frustrations. These are not easy times, and it’s clear that I and my entire Liberal team have much more work to do to deliver tangible, real progress that Canadians across the country can see and feel,” said the prime minister.

“This was obviously not the result we wanted, but I want to be clear that I hear your concerns and frustrations,” said Trudeau in a statement Tuesday.