Indian Diaspora Is A Highly Influential Political Bloc In Several Countries Including Canada.

WION Edit: Examining The Rise Of Indian Diaspora In Global Politics

Canada Elections: Justin Trudeau On Track To Form A Minority Government.

Gravitas: Canada Elections: Trudeau Secures A Narrow Victory

The 43rd general elections are underway in Canada. Voting is done and counting is underway. Some polls also predicted that Trudeau's Liberal is leading. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is battling for his second term. So, Will the prince charming win again. Watch this video to know more in detail. #CanadaElections #CanadaGeneralElections

Canada Elects: Prediction comes out that Trudeau's Liberal taking the lead

The 43rd general elections are underway in Canada. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is battling for his second term. So, Will the prince charming win again. We spoke to some special people to know more about this election. Watch this video to know more in detail. #CanadaElections #CanadaGeneralElections

Canada Elects: 43rd general elections, counting underway in the parts of Canada

The 43rd general elections are underway in Canada. Canadian PM Justin Trudeau is battling for his second term. So, Will the prince charming win again. We spoke to some special people to know more about this election. Watch this video to know more in detail.

Trudeau vs Scheer: 43rd general elections underway in Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will remain in power but with a minority government that will require the support of a smaller left-leaning party after a hard-fought election in which he was dogged by scandals. Trudeau's Liberal party were leading in 156 out of 338 seats in Monday's (October 21) vote, according to Elections Canada. The party still falls short of the required 170 seats needed for a second straight majority government.

Justin Trudeau set to begin second term as PM

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trudeaus-liberals-take-early-lead-after-first-canadian-polls-close-257389">Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau</a> held on to his job in Monday's election, securing his spot as one of the world's few high-profile progressive leaders, but tarnished by scandal and with his power diminished.

The man former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama privately anointed as a successor in global diplomacy survived a blackface scandal and the disclosure that he sought to interfere with a federal corruption prosecution, but just barely.

Trudeau's Liberals, who won power four years ago with a strong parliamentary majority, were projected by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp to form a minority government after a tight election battle with the Conservative Party led by Andrew Scheer. That would leave Trudeau needing the support of smaller opposition parties to govern.

"The hype was so great when he ran before, it would be hard to match that," said Jonathan Rose, a political science professor at Queen's University. "The burden of governing both wore him down and wore voters down."

Alternately charming and awkward, the former teacher and snowboard instructor swept to power in 2015 at the age of 43. Born on Christmas Day in 1971 to a sitting Canadian prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, the younger Trudeau grew up in the spotlight.

On taking over as prime minister, Trudeau said he would tackle climate change, overhaul the electoral system, legalize marijuana and have Canada take in 25,000 Syrian refugees. He proclaimed himself a feminist and unveiled a gender-balanced Cabinet. Mobbed for selfies, Trudeau brought style to an office that is usually dour, and broadcast much of it on social media.

But before long, key allies turned hard to the right,&nbsp;the UK voted to leave the European Union, and the United States elected Republican Donald Trump as president.

In time, Trudeau concentrated power in the prime minister's office and abandoned electoral reform. His government bought the troubled Trans Mountain oil pipeline, infuriating environmentalists, even as it moved to put a price on carbon, alienating the energy industry.

The run-up to the campaign was marked by high-profile Cabinet defections, and a watchdog report that found Trudeau and his team tried to undermine a federal prosecutor's decision to put construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc on trial for corruption.

Then, as the campaign began, a 2001 photograph emerged that showed Trudeau, then 29, at a party, his face covered in dark makeup. More photographs of him in blackface quickly followed, as Trudeau apologised. The images, which briefly dented the Liberals' popularity, ran counter to a carefully managed public persona.

Trudeau also promised "reconciliation" with Canada's indigenous peoples, who make up about 5 per cent of the country.

Ahead of Monday's election, the indigenous political group Assembly of First Nations (AFN) said there had been "concrete action and investments" but "we have considerable ground to make up to ensure First Nations and Canadians share an equal quality of life." 
 
'Voice to be needed more'

On the eve of the election, the race looked close. Trudeau had a shot at a dispiriting honour: the first prime minister since 1935 to lose power in the next election after winning the first-term majority.

"It was inevitable that some of that shine was going to come off, and I think we've seen that," said Andrew MacDougall, who was a spokesman for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose Conservative government was ousted by Trudeau's Liberals in 2015. "But he's not that far away from where he was when he was elected."

The friendship Trudeau forged with Obama in another era seems to endure. The two were spotted dining together in Ottawa earlier this year, and the former president tweeted his endorsement last Wednesday of Trudeau's re-election.

In a recent book, former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes described a 2016 meeting between the two leaders.

"Justin, your voice is going to be needed more," Obama said, according to Rhodes. "You're going to have to speak out when certain values are threatened."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held on to his job in Monday's election, securing his spot as one of the world's few high-profile progressive leaders, but tarnished by scandal and with his power diminished.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held on to his job in Monday's election, securing his spot as one of the world's few high-profile progressive leaders, but tarnished by scandal and with his power diminished. The man former US President Barack Obama privately anointed as a successor in global diplomacy survived a blackface scandal and the disclosure that he sought to interfere with a federal corruption prosecution, but just barely. Trudeau's Liberals, who won power four years ago with a strong parliamentary majority, were projected by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp to form a minority government after a tight election battle with the Conservative Party led by Andrew Scheer. That would leave Trudeau needing the support of smaller opposition parties to govern. "The hype was so great when he ran before, it would be hard to match that," said Jonathan Rose, a political science professor at Queen's University. "The burden of governing both wore him down and wore voters down." Alternately charming and awkward, the former teacher and snowboard instructor swept to power in 2015 at the age of 43. Born on Christmas Day in 1971 to a sitting Canadian prime minister, Pierre Trudeau, the younger Trudeau grew up in the spotlight. On taking over as prime minister, Trudeau said he would tackle climate change, overhaul the electoral system, legalize marijuana and have Canada take in 25,000 Syrian refugees. He proclaimed himself a feminist and unveiled a gender-balanced Cabinet. Mobbed for selfies, Trudeau brought style to an office that is usually dour, and broadcast much of it on social media. But before long, key allies turned hard to the right, the UK voted to leave the European Union, and the United States elected Republican Donald Trump as president. In time, Trudeau concentrated power in the prime minister's office and abandoned electoral reform. His government bought the troubled Trans Mountain oil pipeline, infuriating environmentalists, even as it moved to put a price on carbon, alienating the energy industry. The run-up to the campaign was marked by high-profile Cabinet defections, and a watchdog report that found Trudeau and his team tried to undermine a federal prosecutor's decision to put construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc on trial for corruption. Then, as the campaign began, a 2001 photograph emerged that showed Trudeau, then 29, at a party, his face covered in dark makeup. More photographs of him in blackface quickly followed, as Trudeau apologised. The images, which briefly dented the Liberals' popularity, ran counter to a carefully managed public persona. Trudeau also promised "reconciliation" with Canada's indigenous peoples, who make up about 5 per cent of the country. Ahead of Monday's election, the indigenous political group Assembly of First Nations (AFN) said there had been "concrete action and investments" but "we have considerable ground to make up to ensure First Nations and Canadians share an equal quality of life." 'Voice to be needed more' On the eve of the election, the race looked close. Trudeau had a shot at a dispiriting honour: the first prime minister since 1935 to lose power in the next election after winning the first-term majority. "It was inevitable that some of that shine was going to come off, and I think we've seen that," said Andrew MacDougall, who was a spokesman for former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose Conservative government was ousted by Trudeau's Liberals in 2015. "But he's not that far away from where he was when he was elected." The friendship Trudeau forged with Obama in another era seems to endure. The two were spotted dining together in Ottawa earlier this year, and the former president tweeted his endorsement last Wednesday of Trudeau's re-election. In a recent book, former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes described a 2016 meeting between the two leaders. "Justin, your voice is going to be needed more," Obama said, according to Rhodes. "You're going to have to speak out when certain values are threatened."

Canada's Trudeau clings to power, but loses some of his lustre

Counting is still underway for the 338 seats in the Canadian Parliament. Watch this video to know more.

Canada election: Counting underway for 338 seats

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-votes-as-trudeau-his-sunny-ways-dimmed-by-scandals-seeks-to-retain-power-257377">Canada's ruling Liberals</a> took an early lead after polls closed in four provinces on Monday, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau battled to remain in power after two major scandals and a spirited challenge by the opposition Conservatives.

The Liberals were leading or elected in 25 of 32 electoral districts in Atlantic Canada by&nbsp;0030 GMT on Tuesday&nbsp;despite a drop in their overall popular vote from the 2015 election, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.

Some Liberal losses had been expected in the region after Trudeau led the party to a clean sweep there four years ago. Atlantic Canada makes up less than 10% of the seats in the House of Commons.

The national race was expected to be closer as Trudeau, who took power as a charismatic figure promising "sunny ways," battles Conservative leader Andrew Scheer for the chance to form the next government.

Polls close in the vote-rich provinces of Ontario and Quebec at 0130 GMT on Tuesday. National voting is scheduled to end in the Pacific Coast province of British Columbia at 0200 GMT on Tuesday.

Trudeau, 47, the Liberal Party leader, was endorsed by former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama in the final stretch of the campaign and is viewed as one of the last remaining progressive leaders among the world's major democracies.

But he was shaken during the campaign by a blackface scandal and has been dogged by criticism of his handling of a corruption case involving a major Canadian construction company. Trudeau, the son of the late Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, has also had to overcome a sense of fatigue with his government.

Trudeau, accompanied by his family, voted in Montreal on Monday after a marathon sprint campaigning across the country in the past four days. Scheer voted in his Saskatchewan electoral district.

On Twitter, he repeatedly urged people to get out and vote. Voter turnout is crucial for the Liberals, who privately fear low engagement will affect them more than the Conservatives.

"The truth is it's a coin toss right now," Ipsos pollster Darrell Bricker said.

A year ago, no one would have predicted that Trudeau risked becoming the first prime minister since the 1930s to secure a parliamentary majority and then fail to win a second term.

The latest opinion polls suggest he may narrowly avert that result and could win a minority in the 338-seat House of Commons. That would still leave him in a weakened position and needing the support of left-leaning opposition parties to push through key pieces of legislation.

"(A minority government) would force people to talk to each other, which is what we need," said Naomi Higgins, a 25-year-old voter in Toronto who supported the Liberals four years ago but switched to the Greens in this election. "We need to ... start doing what's best for everyone instead of what makes one party or the other look best."

Liberal campaign strategists say four members of Trudeau's Cabinet could lose their parliamentary seats, including Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, a veteran member of parliament who is seen as one of the government's heavyweights.

Goodale, 70, is the only Liberal member of parliament from the western province of Saskatchewan, where anger at Trudeau is mounting over federal environmental policies that the energy industry says will harm output.

The oil industry’s top lobbying group has blamed Trudeau’s policies for throttling investment in the sector, and some global energy companies have shed assets in the oil sands region of Alberta, the country's main oil-producing province.

Canada's economy, however, has been on a general upswing in 2019. The Canadian dollar has been the best-performing G10 currency this year, rising more than 4% against its U.S. counterpart, as the economy added jobs at a robust pace and inflation stayed close to the Bank of Canada's 2 per cent&nbsp;target.

Bumpy campaign ride

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/liberals-tories-slug-it-out-on-last-day-of-canada-election-257159">The six-week official campaign</a> period has been a rough and meandering ride with dirty tactics on both sides.

The liberal image of Trudeau, who has championed diversity as prime minister and whose father opened the country to mass immigration, took a severe blow when pictures emerged early in the campaign of him wearing blackface in the early 1990s and in 2001.

Trudeau had already been wrestling with the fallout from accusations he pressured his justice minister to help shield engineering firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc&nbsp;from corruption charges. In August, a top watchdog said Trudeau breached ethics rules.

Scheer also has proven to be a determined opponent.

"He can't even remember how many times he put blackface on because the fact of the matter is he's always wearing a mask," Scheer said during a leaders' debate. "Mr&nbsp;Trudeau, you are a phoney and you are a fraud and you do not deserve to govern this country."

Scheer, 40, is also promising to balance the federal budget and eliminate a "carbon tax" on fossil fuels. He is running his first campaign as party leader after winning a bitter leadership fight in 2017.

Given the fact that neither of the front-runners could come away with a parliamentary majority, it is the smaller left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) or the separatist Bloc Quebecois that could end up holding the balance of power.

"I am a lifelong Liberal voter and I am stumped on this one, mostly because I am really concerned about a Conservative win and just trying to figure out how to vote strategically," said Kristin Street, 33, a strategy manager at a computer games company, in Port Moody, British Columbia.

EKOS Research pollster Frank Graves said the Liberals needed turn out to be similar to four years ago or otherwise the Conservatives may have an edge.

"We may well be waiting until the final vote tallies in British Columbia to see who will win on Monday," Graves said.

Canada's ruling Liberals took an early lead after polls closed in four provinces on Monday, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau battled to remain in power after two major scandals and a spirited challenge by the opposition Conservatives.

Canada's ruling Liberals took an early lead after polls closed in four provinces on Monday, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau battled to remain in power after two major scandals and a spirited challenge by the opposition Conservatives. The Liberals were leading or elected in 25 of 32 electoral districts in Atlantic Canada by 0030 GMT on Tuesday despite a drop in their overall popular vote from the 2015 election, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. Some Liberal losses had been expected in the region after Trudeau led the party to a clean sweep there four years ago. Atlantic Canada makes up less than 10% of the seats in the House of Commons. The national race was expected to be closer as Trudeau, who took power as a charismatic figure promising "sunny ways," battles Conservative leader Andrew Scheer for the chance to form the next government. Polls close in the vote-rich provinces of Ontario and Quebec at 0130 GMT on Tuesday. National voting is scheduled to end in the Pacific Coast province of British Columbia at 0200 GMT on Tuesday. Trudeau, 47, the Liberal Party leader, was endorsed by former US President Barack Obama in the final stretch of the campaign and is viewed as one of the last remaining progressive leaders among the world's major democracies. But he was shaken during the campaign by a blackface scandal and has been dogged by criticism of his handling of a corruption case involving a major Canadian construction company. Trudeau, the son of the late Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, has also had to overcome a sense of fatigue with his government. Trudeau, accompanied by his family, voted in Montreal on Monday after a marathon sprint campaigning across the country in the past four days. Scheer voted in his Saskatchewan electoral district. On Twitter, he repeatedly urged people to get out and vote. Voter turnout is crucial for the Liberals, who privately fear low engagement will affect them more than the Conservatives. "The truth is it's a coin toss right now," Ipsos pollster Darrell Bricker said. A year ago, no one would have predicted that Trudeau risked becoming the first prime minister since the 1930s to secure a parliamentary majority and then fail to win a second term. The latest opinion polls suggest he may narrowly avert that result and could win a minority in the 338-seat House of Commons. That would still leave him in a weakened position and needing the support of left-leaning opposition parties to push through key pieces of legislation. "(A minority government) would force people to talk to each other, which is what we need," said Naomi Higgins, a 25-year-old voter in Toronto who supported the Liberals four years ago but switched to the Greens in this election. "We need to ... start doing what's best for everyone instead of what makes one party or the other look best." Liberal campaign strategists say four members of Trudeau's Cabinet could lose their parliamentary seats, including Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, a veteran member of parliament who is seen as one of the government's heavyweights. Goodale, 70, is the only Liberal member of parliament from the western province of Saskatchewan, where anger at Trudeau is mounting over federal environmental policies that the energy industry says will harm output. The oil industry’s top lobbying group has blamed Trudeau’s policies for throttling investment in the sector, and some global energy companies have shed assets in the oil sands region of Alberta, the country's main oil-producing province. Canada's economy, however, has been on a general upswing in 2019. The Canadian dollar has been the best-performing G10 currency this year, rising more than 4% against its U.S. counterpart, as the economy added jobs at a robust pace and inflation stayed close to the Bank of Canada's 2 per cent target. Bumpy campaign ride The six-week official campaign period has been a rough and meandering ride with dirty tactics on both sides. The liberal image of Trudeau, who has championed diversity as prime minister and whose father opened the country to mass immigration, took a severe blow when pictures emerged early in the campaign of him wearing blackface in the early 1990s and in 2001. Trudeau had already been wrestling with the fallout from accusations he pressured his justice minister to help shield engineering firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc from corruption charges. In August, a top watchdog said Trudeau breached ethics rules. Scheer also has proven to be a determined opponent. "He can't even remember how many times he put blackface on because the fact of the matter is he's always wearing a mask," Scheer said during a leaders' debate. "Mr Trudeau, you are a phoney and you are a fraud and you do not deserve to govern this country." Scheer, 40, is also promising to balance the federal budget and eliminate a "carbon tax" on fossil fuels. He is running his first campaign as party leader after winning a bitter leadership fight in 2017. Given the fact that neither of the front-runners could come away with a parliamentary majority, it is the smaller left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) or the separatist Bloc Quebecois that could end up holding the balance of power. "I am a lifelong Liberal voter and I am stumped on this one, mostly because I am really concerned about a Conservative win and just trying to figure out how to vote strategically," said Kristin Street, 33, a strategy manager at a computer games company, in Port Moody, British Columbia. EKOS Research pollster Frank Graves said the Liberals needed turn out to be similar to four years ago or otherwise the Conservatives may have an edge. "We may well be waiting until the final vote tallies in British Columbia to see who will win on Monday," Graves said.

Trudeau's Liberals take early lead after first Canadian polls close

The multiple attempts to woo members of the Indian community during Canada's elections are part of a larger pattern.

On WION Edit, we examine the role of the Indian diaspora in global politics.

Let's start with some numbers.

According to data from the United Nations, the Indian diaspora is the largest in the world, estimated at 17.5 million people.

And the bulk of the diaspora comprises second-generation immigrants.

They now play a crucial role in influencing the political and economic policies of their respective home countries.

The economic impact of their role is already showing. India is the highest recipient of remittances, the bulk of them coming from the Gulf countries.

Besides, they are a crucial vote bank in several countries like Canada and the United Kingdom. They already hold prominent political positions.

Previous Indian governments did not always harness the strength of the Indian diaspora.

But the current government has made it a priority to highlight the soft power of the Indian diaspora. Events like the recently held 'Howdy Modi' in Houston exemplify this conscious stance.

Let's look at the numbers. According to the United States Census, the Indian diaspora outpaces all other ethnic groups in terms of socio-economic status.

They account for over 6 per cent of physicians, are educated and have a high household income.

In fact, the Indian diaspora is often seen as a 'model minority' not just in the US, but in other parts of the world as well. They own several businesses in these countries. And their political representation is also ever-increasing.

A strong engagement between the government and Indian diaspora also helps in another way -- it forces foreign governments to look at the Indian diaspora as not just a vote bank, but a crucial part of the decision-making process.

And that, in turn, would lend strength to the government on crucial issues. In a complex geopolitical scenario, this will be handy for India.

But there is an important distinction to make.

As we saw in the Canada elections and as we often see in the United Kingdom, several parties pretend to appease exclusionary and extremist tendencies among sections of the diaspora to win votes.

These efforts could be harmful in the future.

The only way - the government can stay clear of this attempted intervention is by ensuring constructive engagement with the diaspora -- at a larger level.

India is going to be a major growth engine in this century. And the might of New Delhi can be enhanced if links are established with other countries at a micro-level.

That can only happen through the all-important Indian diaspora.

They are a vital cog in the wheel for India's engagement with the world. Put simply - the Indian diaspora is a force to contend with in several countries and that is 'Advantage India'. 
 
(Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

The multiple attempts to woo members of the Indian community during Canada's elections are part of a larger pattern. On WION Edit, we examine the role of the Indian diaspora in global politics.

The multiple attempts to woo members of the Indian community during Canada's elections are part of a larger pattern. On WION Edit, we examine the role of the Indian diaspora in global politics. Let's start with some numbers. According to data from the United Nations, the Indian diaspora is the largest in the world, estimated at 17.5 million people. And the bulk of the diaspora comprises second-generation immigrants. They now play a crucial role in influencing the political and economic policies of their respective home countries. The economic impact of their role is already showing. India is the highest recipient of remittances, the bulk of them coming from the Gulf countries. Besides, they are a crucial vote bank in several countries like Canada and the United Kingdom. They already hold prominent political positions. Previous Indian governments did not always harness the strength of the Indian diaspora. But the current government has made it a priority to highlight the soft power of the Indian diaspora. Events like the recently held 'Howdy Modi' in Houston exemplify this conscious stance. Let's look at the numbers. According to the United States Census, the Indian diaspora outpaces all other ethnic groups in terms of socio-economic status. They account for over 6 per cent of physicians, are educated and have a high household income. In fact, the Indian diaspora is often seen as a 'model minority' not just in the US, but in other parts of the world as well. They own several businesses in these countries. And their political representation is also ever-increasing. A strong engagement between the government and Indian diaspora also helps in another way -- it forces foreign governments to look at the Indian diaspora as not just a vote bank, but a crucial part of the decision-making process. And that, in turn, would lend strength to the government on crucial issues. In a complex geopolitical scenario, this will be handy for India. But there is an important distinction to make. As we saw in the Canada elections and as we often see in the United Kingdom, several parties pretend to appease exclusionary and extremist tendencies among sections of the diaspora to win votes. These efforts could be harmful in the future. The only way - the government can stay clear of this attempted intervention is by ensuring constructive engagement with the diaspora -- at a larger level. India is going to be a major growth engine in this century. And the might of New Delhi can be enhanced if links are established with other countries at a micro-level. That can only happen through the all-important Indian diaspora. They are a vital cog in the wheel for India's engagement with the world. Put simply - the Indian diaspora is a force to contend with in several countries and that is 'Advantage India'. (Disclaimer: WION Edit is the channel's take on the big events of the world)

WION Edit: Indian diaspora a vital cog in wheel for India's engagement with world

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-election-pm-justin-trudeau-returns-to-power-says-voters-rejected-negativity-257453"> Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau</a> on Tuesday over his victory in the federal parliamentary elections.

PM Modi took to Twitter to extend his wishes and also posted a picture of himself with Trudeau and&nbsp;his family.

"Congratulations @JustinTrudeau! India and Canada are connected by shared values and a strong commitment to democracy as well as plurality. Looking forward to working together to further strengthen bilateral relations, " the tweet read.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a>! 
 
India and Canada are connected by shared values and a strong commitment to democracy as well as plurality. 
 
Looking forward to working together to further strengthen bilateral relations. <a href="https://t.co/8zYvyuixCw">pic.twitter.com/8zYvyuixCw</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1186633609748238336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will remain in power but with a minority government that will require the support of a smaller left-leaning party after a hard-fought election in which he was dogged by scandals.

Trudeau's Liberal party were leading in 156 out of 338 seats in Monday's (October 21) vote, according to Elections Canada. The party still falls short of the required 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 and his handling of a corporate corruption case.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Tuesday over his victory in the federal parliamentary elections. PM Modi took to Twitter to extend his wishes and also posted a picture of himself with Trudeau and his family.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Tuesday over his victory in the federal parliamentary elections. PM Modi took to Twitter to extend his wishes and also posted a picture of himself with Trudeau and his family. "Congratulations @JustinTrudeau! India and Canada are connected by shared values and a strong commitment to democracy as well as plurality. Looking forward to working together to further strengthen bilateral relations, " the tweet read. Congratulations @JustinTrudeau! India and Canada are connected by shared values and a strong commitment to democracy as well as plurality. Looking forward to working together to further strengthen bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/8zYvyuixCw — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 22, 2019 × Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will remain in power but with a minority government that will require the support of a smaller left-leaning party after a hard-fought election in which he was dogged by scandals. Trudeau's Liberal party were leading in 156 out of 338 seats in Monday's (October 21) vote, according to Elections Canada. The party still falls short of the required 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 and his handling of a corporate corruption case.

PM Modi congratulates Justin Trudeau over election victory

By Jeremy Wildeman

Canada’s federal election campaign highlighted a struggle that caught the world by surprise. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was on the ropes throughout the campaign, just four years after his meteoric rise to power and global fandom, even though he ultimately managed to win a minority government.

His struggles did not come as much of a surprise for Canadian progressives, however, who first helped propel him to those heights four years ago.

Trudeau came to power with incredible fanfare after an election victory in October 2015 that saw Stephen Harper’s Conservatives voted out.

Trudeau returned his party to power with a majority government by appealing to an electorate that was more than weary of almost a decade of right-wing Conservative rule.

The world sat up and took notice, in part because Trudeau’s famous father, Pierre, had been swept to power in a similar fashion in 1968 amid a wave of what was known as Trudeaumania.

Pierre Elliott Trudeau also had a progressive platform and, for a time, enjoyed a rock star-like popularity among Canadians.

That victory more than 50 years ago laid the foundation for 16 years of nearly uninterrupted Liberal rule under Pierre Trudeau, who was the architect of multiculturalism in Canada and further committed the country to peace-building and a rules-based international system.

It’s a vision many Canadians came to embrace, but one that Harper’s Conservatives, in power from 2006 to 2015, seemed determined to systematically replace. In this way, the election of Justin Trudeau seemed for many to be a repudiation of the Harper agenda and a return to the normalcy of Canada’s past.

Canada is back

At first, Trudeau seemed unable to disappoint. He could not have appeared a starker contrast from Harper, regarded by many Canadians as cold and uncharismatic. Youthful, charming and handsome, Trudeau’s progressive messaging immediately stood apart from Harper’s. His policies appeared to do so, too.

This included immediately opening Canada up to tens of thousands of Syrian refugees, which Harper had initially appeared reluctant to do. Trudeau even went to Toronto’s airport to welcome some of the first refugees, saying: “You are home.”

Trudeau’s Liberals emphasised a multicultural Canada that would be open to refugees. This diversity would be represented in their government, too. In contrast to some Conservative leadership candidates’ embrace of Islamophobia and a “barbaric cultural practices tip line,” Trudeau’s government included a record number of Muslim MPs. Trudeau also became the first Canadian prime minister to march in a Pride parade.

Trudeau ran in 2015 on a message of environmental protection, support for Indigenous nations in Canada and global feminism. This included instituting a feminist foreign policy agenda and a reorientation of Canada’s development aid programming on a Feminist International Assistance Policy. When asked why he established gender parity for his first cabinet, he famously retorted: “Because it’s 2015.”

His government legalized cannabis sales and reversed Harper’s anti-science restrictions on research. It increased immigration quotas and reasserted Canadian support for multilateral institutions and international law. This seemed like a return to form for Canada on the international stage and Trudeau emphasized this by saying: “Canada is back.”

Canadians largely seemed happy with his leadership and his government rode high in the polls. His popularity only seemed to skyrocket at home and abroad with the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States in 2016.

For liberals around the world, Trudeau seemed to represent everything the new president was not. Before long, Trudeau became a global symbol in the worldwide struggle against the rise of authoritarianism, populism and white nationalism.

Foreign policy questions

So what happened? Why did Trudeau have to fight for his political life this election against the Conservatives, the New Democratic Party and a resurgent Bloc Québécois, a separatist party that only runs candidates in Québec?

As often happens in Canada, questions about Trudeau’s progressive credentials arose in the Middle East.

Being progressive in Canada often includes support for Palestinian rights. This was in part a result of Harper’s very partisan pro-Israel approach to governance, which included a crackdown on Canadian advocates for Palestinian rights.

Though Trudeau’s Liberals did reinvest funds that Harper’s Conservatives cut from Palestinian refugees, progressives quickly noticed how Trudeau and his government would go out of their way to attack Canadians who advocated for Palestinian rights. This was accompanied by robust diplomatic support for the policies of the right-wing Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, who was the antithesis of everything Trudeau was supposed to represent.

In region after region, Liberal foreign policy appeared to come out of the Harper playbook. This included Canada’s participation in a campaign to force regime change in oil-rich Venezuela and approving record weapons sales to a notorious human rights violator, Saudi Arabia, as it wages a brutal war in Yemen.

Even Trudeau’s feminist foreign policy seemed hollow.

What good did it do for Yemeni women whose communities are being destroyed with Canadian weapons, Palestinian women shot for protesting the blockade on Gaza or Venezuelan women impoverished by a Canadian-backed economic blockade?

The death of a brand

From his rapid retreat from a campaign pledge for proportional electoral representation to his odd fascination with fancy dress and concerns about the sincerity of his progressive credentials, cumulative questions arose about Trudeau domestically.

Two particular events, though, were critical to undoing his progressive brand.

First was his government’s $4.5 billion purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline from U.S.-based corporation Kinder Morgan. This was highly unpopular with environmentalists and the First Nations communities it would run through. This raised serious questions about Trudeau’s commitment to fighting climate change and helping Indigenous Peoples, too.

Second was his government’s attempt to halt criminal proceedings into Québec-based engineering firm SNC-Lavalin for overseas corruption. This led to the resignation from cabinet of Jody Wilson-Raybould, Canada’s first Indigenous minister of justice.

She complained she was pressured into considering a deferred prosecution agreement for SNC-Lavalin, and was joined in solidarity in her departure from cabinet by another of Trudeau’s most prominent female ministers, Jane Philpott.

Both were then pushed out of the Liberal caucus, topping off a scandal that raised questions about Trudeau’s commitment to corporate good governance, women’s empowerment and Indigenous leadership.

The campaign trail emergence of images of a younger Trudeau in blackface was also shocking to progressive voters. The photos decidedly tarnished his image, both at home and abroad.

Progressives looking elsewhere

Canada is a diverse country with a diverse electorate. Many Canadian voters, and the core Liberal constituency, still supported Trudeau. This kept him relevant in the 2019 election campaign. A late campaign endorsement by former US&nbsp;President Barack Obama also served as a reminder of what Trudeau still symbolizes to many liberals around the world.

Though Trudeau’s struggles may seem surprising, the inability of his government to truly address deep structural inequalities and income insecurity in Canada fits a pattern of the fracturing of the political landscape of nearly every other liberal democracy. This plagued Obama’s administration as well.

Having a family name and background that symbolizes privilege, in a world where wealth inequality and nepotism have become such divisive topics, hasn’t helped Trudeau.

Dissatisfied with Trudeau, some of Canada’s large progressive electorate, as well as Québec voters, began to look elsewhere —to the New Democrats and the Greens, and in Québec, to the resurgent Bloc Québécois, which took particular advantage of Trudeau’s missteps on the environment.

Trudeau had problems this election because he lost part of the progressive base that put him over the top in 2015, and because the Bloc turned out to be a bigger force in vote-rich Québec than expected.

 
(Jeremy Wildeman is Research Associate in International Development, University of Bath)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/justin-trudeaus-political-setback-a-surprise-to-the-world-but-not-to-canada-125422">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

By Jeremy Wildeman Canada’s federal election campaign highlighted a struggle that caught the world by surprise. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was on the ropes throughout the campaign, just four years after his meteoric rise to power and global fandom, even though he ultimately managed to win a minority government.

By Jeremy Wildeman Canada’s federal election campaign highlighted a struggle that caught the world by surprise. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was on the ropes throughout the campaign, just four years after his meteoric rise to power and global fandom, even though he ultimately managed to win a minority government. His struggles did not come as much of a surprise for Canadian progressives, however, who first helped propel him to those heights four years ago. Trudeau came to power with incredible fanfare after an election victory in October 2015 that saw Stephen Harper’s Conservatives voted out. Trudeau returned his party to power with a majority government by appealing to an electorate that was more than weary of almost a decade of right-wing Conservative rule. The world sat up and took notice, in part because Trudeau’s famous father, Pierre, had been swept to power in a similar fashion in 1968 amid a wave of what was known as Trudeaumania. Pierre Elliott Trudeau also had a progressive platform and, for a time, enjoyed a rock star-like popularity among Canadians. That victory more than 50 years ago laid the foundation for 16 years of nearly uninterrupted Liberal rule under Pierre Trudeau, who was the architect of multiculturalism in Canada and further committed the country to peace-building and a rules-based international system. It’s a vision many Canadians came to embrace, but one that Harper’s Conservatives, in power from 2006 to 2015, seemed determined to systematically replace. In this way, the election of Justin Trudeau seemed for many to be a repudiation of the Harper agenda and a return to the normalcy of Canada’s past. Canada is back At first, Trudeau seemed unable to disappoint. He could not have appeared a starker contrast from Harper, regarded by many Canadians as cold and uncharismatic. Youthful, charming and handsome, Trudeau’s progressive messaging immediately stood apart from Harper’s. His policies appeared to do so, too. This included immediately opening Canada up to tens of thousands of Syrian refugees, which Harper had initially appeared reluctant to do. Trudeau even went to Toronto’s airport to welcome some of the first refugees, saying: “You are home.” Trudeau’s Liberals emphasised a multicultural Canada that would be open to refugees. This diversity would be represented in their government, too. In contrast to some Conservative leadership candidates’ embrace of Islamophobia and a “barbaric cultural practices tip line,” Trudeau’s government included a record number of Muslim MPs. Trudeau also became the first Canadian prime minister to march in a Pride parade. Trudeau ran in 2015 on a message of environmental protection, support for Indigenous nations in Canada and global feminism. This included instituting a feminist foreign policy agenda and a reorientation of Canada’s development aid programming on a Feminist International Assistance Policy. When asked why he established gender parity for his first cabinet, he famously retorted: “Because it’s 2015.” His government legalized cannabis sales and reversed Harper’s anti-science restrictions on research. It increased immigration quotas and reasserted Canadian support for multilateral institutions and international law. This seemed like a return to form for Canada on the international stage and Trudeau emphasized this by saying: “Canada is back.” Canadians largely seemed happy with his leadership and his government rode high in the polls. His popularity only seemed to skyrocket at home and abroad with the election of Donald Trump as president of the United States in 2016. For liberals around the world, Trudeau seemed to represent everything the new president was not. Before long, Trudeau became a global symbol in the worldwide struggle against the rise of authoritarianism, populism and white nationalism. Foreign policy questions So what happened? Why did Trudeau have to fight for his political life this election against the Conservatives, the New Democratic Party and a resurgent Bloc Québécois, a separatist party that only runs candidates in Québec? As often happens in Canada, questions about Trudeau’s progressive credentials arose in the Middle East. Being progressive in Canada often includes support for Palestinian rights. This was in part a result of Harper’s very partisan pro-Israel approach to governance, which included a crackdown on Canadian advocates for Palestinian rights. Though Trudeau’s Liberals did reinvest funds that Harper’s Conservatives cut from Palestinian refugees, progressives quickly noticed how Trudeau and his government would go out of their way to attack Canadians who advocated for Palestinian rights. This was accompanied by robust diplomatic support for the policies of the right-wing Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel, who was the antithesis of everything Trudeau was supposed to represent. In region after region, Liberal foreign policy appeared to come out of the Harper playbook. This included Canada’s participation in a campaign to force regime change in oil-rich Venezuela and approving record weapons sales to a notorious human rights violator, Saudi Arabia, as it wages a brutal war in Yemen. Even Trudeau’s feminist foreign policy seemed hollow. What good did it do for Yemeni women whose communities are being destroyed with Canadian weapons, Palestinian women shot for protesting the blockade on Gaza or Venezuelan women impoverished by a Canadian-backed economic blockade? The death of a brand From his rapid retreat from a campaign pledge for proportional electoral representation to his odd fascination with fancy dress and concerns about the sincerity of his progressive credentials, cumulative questions arose about Trudeau domestically. Two particular events, though, were critical to undoing his progressive brand. First was his government’s $4.5 billion purchase of the Trans Mountain pipeline from U.S.-based corporation Kinder Morgan. This was highly unpopular with environmentalists and the First Nations communities it would run through. This raised serious questions about Trudeau’s commitment to fighting climate change and helping Indigenous Peoples, too. Second was his government’s attempt to halt criminal proceedings into Québec-based engineering firm SNC-Lavalin for overseas corruption. This led to the resignation from cabinet of Jody Wilson-Raybould, Canada’s first Indigenous minister of justice. She complained she was pressured into considering a deferred prosecution agreement for SNC-Lavalin, and was joined in solidarity in her departure from cabinet by another of Trudeau’s most prominent female ministers, Jane Philpott. Both were then pushed out of the Liberal caucus, topping off a scandal that raised questions about Trudeau’s commitment to corporate good governance, women’s empowerment and Indigenous leadership. The campaign trail emergence of images of a younger Trudeau in blackface was also shocking to progressive voters. The photos decidedly tarnished his image, both at home and abroad. Progressives looking elsewhere Canada is a diverse country with a diverse electorate. Many Canadian voters, and the core Liberal constituency, still supported Trudeau. This kept him relevant in the 2019 election campaign. A late campaign endorsement by former US President Barack Obama also served as a reminder of what Trudeau still symbolizes to many liberals around the world. Though Trudeau’s struggles may seem surprising, the inability of his government to truly address deep structural inequalities and income insecurity in Canada fits a pattern of the fracturing of the political landscape of nearly every other liberal democracy. This plagued Obama’s administration as well. Having a family name and background that symbolizes privilege, in a world where wealth inequality and nepotism have become such divisive topics, hasn’t helped Trudeau. Dissatisfied with Trudeau, some of Canada’s large progressive electorate, as well as Québec voters, began to look elsewhere —to the New Democrats and the Greens, and in Québec, to the resurgent Bloc Québécois, which took particular advantage of Trudeau’s missteps on the environment. Trudeau had problems this election because he lost part of the progressive base that put him over the top in 2015, and because the Bloc turned out to be a bigger force in vote-rich Québec than expected. (Jeremy Wildeman is Research Associate in International Development, University of Bath) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Justin Trudeau’s political setback: A surprise to the world, but not to Canada

Votes to be cast in Canada for 43rd General elections soon. Justin Trudeau calls Scheer campaign 'Nasty'. The PM platform is built around climate, gun control, jobs samewhere Andrew Scheer's platform is Jobs, Middle-class. Watch this video to know more in detail.

Votes to be cast in Canada for 43rd General elections soon

Canada Elections 2019: A Nail-Biter Of A Contest Battle for survival for Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Canada elections 2019 is tipped to be a cliffhanger with the blackface controversy threatening to derail Trudeau's hopes of returning to power.

Gravitas: Canada Elections 2019: Too Close To Call?

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Conservative rival Andrew Scheer slugged it out Sunday on the last day of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-election-brings-call-to-arms-against-gun-violence-256821">rancorous election campaign</a>.

With Canadians going to the polls on Monday, the Liberals and Tories went into the home stretch in a dead heat, each with about 31-32 per cent support after 40 days of mudslinging.

Pollsters are predicting a minority government will result,&nbsp;led either by the Liberals or the Conservatives, as the smaller New Democratic Party (NDP), Green Party and Bloc Quebecois have continued to chip away at the frontrunners' leads.

Their voices hoarse, Trudeau and Scheer made last, desperate pitches to undecided voters over the weekend in key battlegrounds in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec provinces.

"We need a strong, progressive government that will unite Canadians and fight climate change, not a progressive opposition," Trudeau told a rally in a suburb of Vancouver after whistle-stops in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta.

"We need to unite as citizens. We need to unite as a planet," he said.

Policy desert

Scheer, also crisscrossing the country over the weekend, accused the Liberals of being spendthrift, saying on Sunday in Vancouver: "The choice tomorrow is between a Liberal-NDP coalition that will run massive deficits and leave less money in your pocket or a Conservative government that will get back to balanced budgets and make life more affordable.

"Trudeau would pay any price to stay in power and he'd use your money to do it," he said. "We want Canadians to send Conservative MPs to Ottawa to undo the damage that Justin Trudeau has caused."

The campaign, which <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-slams-rivals-for-dirty-campaign-gets-obama-endorsement-256396">Trudeau has described as the nastiest</a> in Canadian history, has been "a desert from a public-policy point of view," said pollster Nik Nanos of Nanos Research.

Trudeau has faced an unexpected surge from the NDP and Greens on the left, and from the separatist Bloc Quebecois, back from the dead and riding a new Quebec nationalist wave, as he battles disenchantment with his leadership after four years in power.

For his part, Scheer has struggled to convince voters to look past his bland, minivan-driving dad persona and the party's minimalist platform to give the rookie leader a chance to govern.

Attack ads, sometimes skirting the truth, have accused the Liberals of planning to raise taxes and legalize hard drugs, and the Tories of allowing assault rifles on the streets and restricting abortion services.

Both Trudeau and Scheer also took swipes at the Bloc, accusing its leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, after he raised Quebec sovereignty in the dying hours of the campaign, of seeking to "again divide the country," after two failed referendums in 1980 and 1995 on Quebec independence.

Liberals have urged their supporters to vote strategically to prevent a rollback of Trudeau's progressive policies by the Tories.

Former US President Barack Obama chimed in with an endorsement of Trudeau, calling him an "effective leader who takes on big issues like climate change."

"The world needs his progressive leadership now," Obama said in a recent tweet.

'Sing louder'

Plagued by a blackface scandal and accused of ethical lapses in the handling of the bribery prosecution of an engineering giant, Trudeau has seen his star dim and his personal popularity slip over the past year.

At a stop Friday night in Vaughan, Ontario, he invoked the memory of his father, the late prime minister Pierre Trudeau, who was a driving force behind the establishment of modern Canada.

"My father always used to tell me that when you're paddling across a big lake and the clouds get darker and the wind comes up and the waves start to show white caps and break a little more, there really is only one thing to do: sing louder and paddle harder," he said.

"And that's what we do as Liberals."

At another recent rally, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-opposition-chief-pressed-on-us-citizenship-drops-candidate-for-anti-gay-comments-253862">Trudeau</a> was forced to take the unprecedented step of wearing a bulletproof vest on stage amid heavy security due to an unspecified threat.

Trump-inspired chants

Scheer, meanwhile, stepped up efforts to instil fears that the Liberals and New Democrats would form an alliance that he said would be the "worst possible outcome" for Canada.

The only formal coalition in Canada's parliament was in 1917 during World War I.

Throughout the campaign, Scheer faced criticism for padding his resume and over his personal opposition to abortion and gay marriage.

Repeatedly he has had to calm supporters chanting&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-goes-on-attack-in-debate-as-he-seeks-to-revive-campaign-253420">"Lock him up!" against Trudeau</a>, inspired by the line US President Donald Trump's supporters used against Hillary Clinton in 2016.

On Saturday, Scheer sidestepped accusations that the Tories had worked to smear and "destroy" his former rival for the party's leadership, Maxime Bernier, who went on to start his own People's Party.&nbsp;

The People's Party has situated itself to the right of the Conservatives and could draw votes away from the Tories.&nbsp;

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Conservative rival Andrew Scheer slugged it out Sunday on the last day of a rancorous election campaign. With Canadians going to the polls on Monday, the Liberals and Tories went into the home stretch in a dead heat, each with about 31-32 per cent support after 40 days of mudslinging.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Conservative rival Andrew Scheer slugged it out Sunday on the last day of a rancorous election campaign. With Canadians going to the polls on Monday, the Liberals and Tories went into the home stretch in a dead heat, each with about 31-32 per cent support after 40 days of mudslinging. Pollsters are predicting a minority government will result, led either by the Liberals or the Conservatives, as the smaller New Democratic Party (NDP), Green Party and Bloc Quebecois have continued to chip away at the frontrunners' leads. Their voices hoarse, Trudeau and Scheer made last, desperate pitches to undecided voters over the weekend in key battlegrounds in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec provinces. "We need a strong, progressive government that will unite Canadians and fight climate change, not a progressive opposition," Trudeau told a rally in a suburb of Vancouver after whistle-stops in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta. "We need to unite as citizens. We need to unite as a planet," he said. Policy desert Scheer, also crisscrossing the country over the weekend, accused the Liberals of being spendthrift, saying on Sunday in Vancouver: "The choice tomorrow is between a Liberal-NDP coalition that will run massive deficits and leave less money in your pocket or a Conservative government that will get back to balanced budgets and make life more affordable. "Trudeau would pay any price to stay in power and he'd use your money to do it," he said. "We want Canadians to send Conservative MPs to Ottawa to undo the damage that Justin Trudeau has caused." The campaign, which Trudeau has described as the nastiest in Canadian history, has been "a desert from a public-policy point of view," said pollster Nik Nanos of Nanos Research. Trudeau has faced an unexpected surge from the NDP and Greens on the left, and from the separatist Bloc Quebecois, back from the dead and riding a new Quebec nationalist wave, as he battles disenchantment with his leadership after four years in power. For his part, Scheer has struggled to convince voters to look past his bland, minivan-driving dad persona and the party's minimalist platform to give the rookie leader a chance to govern. Attack ads, sometimes skirting the truth, have accused the Liberals of planning to raise taxes and legalize hard drugs, and the Tories of allowing assault rifles on the streets and restricting abortion services. Both Trudeau and Scheer also took swipes at the Bloc, accusing its leader Yves-Francois Blanchet, after he raised Quebec sovereignty in the dying hours of the campaign, of seeking to "again divide the country," after two failed referendums in 1980 and 1995 on Quebec independence. Liberals have urged their supporters to vote strategically to prevent a rollback of Trudeau's progressive policies by the Tories. Former US President Barack Obama chimed in with an endorsement of Trudeau, calling him an "effective leader who takes on big issues like climate change." "The world needs his progressive leadership now," Obama said in a recent tweet. 'Sing louder' Plagued by a blackface scandal and accused of ethical lapses in the handling of the bribery prosecution of an engineering giant, Trudeau has seen his star dim and his personal popularity slip over the past year. At a stop Friday night in Vaughan, Ontario, he invoked the memory of his father, the late prime minister Pierre Trudeau, who was a driving force behind the establishment of modern Canada. "My father always used to tell me that when you're paddling across a big lake and the clouds get darker and the wind comes up and the waves start to show white caps and break a little more, there really is only one thing to do: sing louder and paddle harder," he said. "And that's what we do as Liberals." At another recent rally, Trudeau was forced to take the unprecedented step of wearing a bulletproof vest on stage amid heavy security due to an unspecified threat. Trump-inspired chants Scheer, meanwhile, stepped up efforts to instil fears that the Liberals and New Democrats would form an alliance that he said would be the "worst possible outcome" for Canada. The only formal coalition in Canada's parliament was in 1917 during World War I. Throughout the campaign, Scheer faced criticism for padding his resume and over his personal opposition to abortion and gay marriage. Repeatedly he has had to calm supporters chanting "Lock him up!" against Trudeau, inspired by the line US President Donald Trump's supporters used against Hillary Clinton in 2016. On Saturday, Scheer sidestepped accusations that the Tories had worked to smear and "destroy" his former rival for the party's leadership, Maxime Bernier, who went on to start his own People's Party. The People's Party has situated itself to the right of the Conservatives and could draw votes away from the Tories.

Liberals, Tories slug it out on last day of Canada election

Potential scenarios in Canada's elections

Teen activist Greta Thunberg rallied with climate change protesters in Canada's oil-rich province of Albert on Friday, as oil workers counter-protested by honking the horns of their big rigs.

"We are doing this because our future is at stake," Thunberg told crowd organisers estimated to be in the thousands, which gathered in front of the provincial legislature in Edmonton.

"We will not be bystanders. We are doing this because we want the people in power to unite behind the science."

But while many shouted their support for Thunberg, who has become the face of the fight against political inaction on global warming, counter-protesters who supported oil production travelled to the city to make their distaste for Thunberg known, blaring their horns as she spoke.

"We care for the environment, of course, we do. What they need to understand is that we're hurting and we also need to care about Alberta jobs," a counter-protester told Canadian media before joining a convoy of 50 vehicles that set out from Red Deer, Alberta for the provincial capital.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, speaking at the Friday opening of a new gas pipeline in the province, which holds the world's third-largest oil reserves, also had a message for Thunberg and her supporters.

"When they charged their iPhones last night, that power came from this plant," he said, pointing to the former coal-fired Keephills power plant near Edmonton that was being converted to natural gas.

"Albertans and Canadians are practical people," he said. "They like real-world solutions. Calling for the end of the modern industrial economy, advocating to put millions of people out of work... is not a real-world solution."

Alberta's energy industry is "taking bold risks, spending real money to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions," he added.

The province's oil sands are the single largest source of CO2 emissions in Canada. The sector has been hotly criticized by environmental groups, while a flight of foreign investment and a lack of pipelines to new markets has strangled development.

Last month, Thunberg marched in Montreal with nearly half-a-million supporters, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It was one of the largest rallies in Canadian history.

Teen activist Greta Thunberg rallied with climate change protesters in Canada's oil-rich province of Albert on Friday, as oil workers counter-protested by honking the horns of their big rigs.

Teen activist Greta Thunberg rallied with climate change protesters in Canada's oil-rich province of Albert on Friday, as oil workers counter-protested by honking the horns of their big rigs. "We are doing this because our future is at stake," Thunberg told crowd organisers estimated to be in the thousands, which gathered in front of the provincial legislature in Edmonton. "We will not be bystanders. We are doing this because we want the people in power to unite behind the science." But while many shouted their support for Thunberg, who has become the face of the fight against political inaction on global warming, counter-protesters who supported oil production travelled to the city to make their distaste for Thunberg known, blaring their horns as she spoke. "We care for the environment, of course, we do. What they need to understand is that we're hurting and we also need to care about Alberta jobs," a counter-protester told Canadian media before joining a convoy of 50 vehicles that set out from Red Deer, Alberta for the provincial capital. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney, speaking at the Friday opening of a new gas pipeline in the province, which holds the world's third-largest oil reserves, also had a message for Thunberg and her supporters. "When they charged their iPhones last night, that power came from this plant," he said, pointing to the former coal-fired Keephills power plant near Edmonton that was being converted to natural gas. "Albertans and Canadians are practical people," he said. "They like real-world solutions. Calling for the end of the modern industrial economy, advocating to put millions of people out of work... is not a real-world solution." Alberta's energy industry is "taking bold risks, spending real money to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas and carbon emissions," he added. The province's oil sands are the single largest source of CO2 emissions in Canada. The sector has been hotly criticized by environmental groups, while a flight of foreign investment and a lack of pipelines to new markets has strangled development. Last month, Thunberg marched in Montreal with nearly half-a-million supporters, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It was one of the largest rallies in Canadian history.

Greta Thunberg brings her climate protest to Canada's oil patch

Canadian Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-pm-trudeau-dissolves-parliament-launches-campaign-for-october-21-election-249077">Justin Trudeau</a>, trying to revive his electoral fortunes after the emergence of embarrassing&nbsp;photographs, used the first televised campaign debate on Wednesday to launch repeated attacks on his main rival.

Polls suggest Trudeau's left-leaning Liberals could lose power to the opposition Conservatives of Andrew Scheer on October&nbsp;21 amid voter unhappiness with images of Trudeau in blackface, as well as other scandals.

Trudeau, variously interrupting and talking over Scheer, took the offensive from the start during the French-language debate in the politically important province of Quebec.

He first suggested Scheer would be open to reviving the debate on abortion.

"Do you - as a party leader, as a father and a husband - believe women should have a choice?" Trudeau asked Scheer.

There are few restrictions on abortion in Canada and the Conservatives have traditionally steered clear of the topic, fearing they could alienate progressive voters.

"Quebecers can be confident that a Conservative government led by me will not reopen this debate," Scheer responded.

Jagmeet Singh of the left-leaning New Democrats and Yves-Francois Blanchet of the separatist Bloc Quebecois - the other two leaders in the debate hosted by private channel TVA - also criticized Scheer on the issue.

"We are seeing that three of us are aligned on values, the values of Quebecers, and we have a fourth, a Conservative party that is not aligned ... on the rights of women," said Trudeau.

French is the predominant language in Quebec, Canada's second-most populous province that accounts for 78 of the 338 seats in the federal House of Commons.

The Liberals had been confident of adding to the 40 Quebec seats they won in 2015 but now face a challenge from the Conservatives as well as the Bloc, which wants independence for the province of 8.4 million people.

Scheer, whose French is the least fluent of the four leaders, sometimes stumbled over his words and on occasion looked flustered. The Conservative chief, who says Canadians are most interested in tackling the high cost of living, later accused Trudeau of planning to raise taxes.

After Scheer accused Trudeau of harbouring a secret agenda to decriminalize all drugs, the Liberal leader replied: "Again, we see the politics of fear that you are promoting."

The exchanges were the first between the leaders of the major parties since the blackface photos emerged last month, temporarily derailing Trudeau's campaign.

None of the leaders mentioned the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/justin-trudeaus-blackface-apology-rings-hollow-and-highlights-anti-arab-stereotypes-251432"> blackface incident.</a>

TVA has the biggest audience of any news channel in Quebec. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp will host an English-language debate on October&nbsp;7 and another French-language session on October&nbsp;10.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, trying to revive his electoral fortunes after the emergence of embarrassing photographs, used the first televised campaign debate on Wednesday to launch repeated attacks on his main rival.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, trying to revive his electoral fortunes after the emergence of embarrassing photographs, used the first televised campaign debate on Wednesday to launch repeated attacks on his main rival. Polls suggest Trudeau's left-leaning Liberals could lose power to the opposition Conservatives of Andrew Scheer on October 21 amid voter unhappiness with images of Trudeau in blackface, as well as other scandals. Trudeau, variously interrupting and talking over Scheer, took the offensive from the start during the French-language debate in the politically important province of Quebec. He first suggested Scheer would be open to reviving the debate on abortion. "Do you - as a party leader, as a father and a husband - believe women should have a choice?" Trudeau asked Scheer. There are few restrictions on abortion in Canada and the Conservatives have traditionally steered clear of the topic, fearing they could alienate progressive voters. "Quebecers can be confident that a Conservative government led by me will not reopen this debate," Scheer responded. Jagmeet Singh of the left-leaning New Democrats and Yves-Francois Blanchet of the separatist Bloc Quebecois - the other two leaders in the debate hosted by private channel TVA - also criticized Scheer on the issue. "We are seeing that three of us are aligned on values, the values of Quebecers, and we have a fourth, a Conservative party that is not aligned ... on the rights of women," said Trudeau. French is the predominant language in Quebec, Canada's second-most populous province that accounts for 78 of the 338 seats in the federal House of Commons. The Liberals had been confident of adding to the 40 Quebec seats they won in 2015 but now face a challenge from the Conservatives as well as the Bloc, which wants independence for the province of 8.4 million people. Scheer, whose French is the least fluent of the four leaders, sometimes stumbled over his words and on occasion looked flustered. The Conservative chief, who says Canadians are most interested in tackling the high cost of living, later accused Trudeau of planning to raise taxes. After Scheer accused Trudeau of harbouring a secret agenda to decriminalize all drugs, the Liberal leader replied: "Again, we see the politics of fear that you are promoting." The exchanges were the first between the leaders of the major parties since the blackface photos emerged last month, temporarily derailing Trudeau's campaign. None of the leaders mentioned the blackface incident. TVA has the biggest audience of any news channel in Quebec. The Canadian Broadcasting Corp will host an English-language debate on October 7 and another French-language session on October 10.

Canada's Trudeau goes on attack in debate as he seeks to revive campaign

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-pm-trudeau-dissolves-parliament-launches-campaign-for-october-21-election-249077">election campaign</a> team were on the way to the airport in Nova Scotia on Sept. 18 when Time magazine journalists called with alarming news.

Within hours, the magazine would publish a picture that could doom his bid to win another four years in power. The 2001 image showed a 29-year-old Trudeau at an Arabian Nights party, his face covered in dark makeup, evoking racial stereotypes that seemed contrary to everything he stood for.

Parked on the Halifax airport tarmac that Wednesday, as campaign planners pushed for a timely departure to Winnipeg, Trudeau’s closest aides nixed the idea of spending the next four hours in the air. Then and there, they would scramble to get ahead of the explosive story.

The election was a month away.

While some aides prepared a contrite message for Trudeau to deliver to the media, the 47-year-old prime minister began calling&nbsp;as many Liberal legislators and cabinet ministers from ethnic minorities as he could, hoping to beat the news on Twitter. One was Omar Alghabra, a Liberal parliamentarian of Syrian descent, who said that Trudeau's heads-up came with profuse apologies.

Still, in the plane, Trudeau&nbsp;called a nationally televised media conference at which he not only <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/justin-trudeaus-blackface-apology-rings-hollow-and-highlights-anti-arab-stereotypes-251432">apologized repeatedly</a> but also admitted to another incident of donning dark make-up.

Interviews with that confidant and five other aides and strategists&nbsp;show how a hastily but carefully choreographed strategy over the ensuing week aimed to quickly rehabilitate the prime minister’s image before the damage gelled. None of the six who spoke to Reuters agreed to be named, citing the sensitivity of the situation. No one connected to the campaign would speak on the record.

"You can't dodge, you can't spin. You just have to put him out there and let people shout at him if they want to," said one Liberal aide who helped craft the strategy.

Whether the strategy to quickly apologize was the right one remains to be seen: Polls showed Trudeau’s popularity dipping in the immediate aftermath of the revelations before recovering. Since then, however, surveys of public opinion show the Liberals will be lucky to eke out even a weak minority government and could lose to the official opposition Conservatives led by Andrew Scheer.&nbsp;

"We won't know the effect of the pictures until election day," said a senior Trudeau adviser. "People might decide that however much they support us, they can't vote Liberal because of this."

Liberal officials say lower voter turnout among Trudeau's supporters is a major risk.

In response to questions for this article, Conservative campaign spokesman Daniel Schow said the Liberal’s campaign strategy hasn’t worked.

“Justin Trudeau has spent the last four years lecturing Canadians about social and diversity issues with a holier-than-thou attitude. There’s no way to spin hypocrisy. Canadians now realize that Justin Trudeau is not as advertised."

Scheer, the Conservative leader, said at a news conference on Sept 19 that Trudeau had not been sincere in his apology or fully truthful about his past. He cited a video in which Trudeau was captured dancing in blackface. Trudeau told reporters he had not remembered the 1990s incident.

“I think Canadians might have accepted Justin Trudeau’s apology if he hadn’t lied about it," Sheer said at the news conference. “I think he has lost the moral authority to govern.”

Inside the Trudeau camp, three people took charge of damage control: Former journalist Ben Chin, who had been chief of staff to the finance minister and was now in charge of messaging; Cyrus Reporter,&nbsp;a long-time Trudeau ally and former chief of staff when Trudeau was in opposition; and current chief of staff Katie Telford, one of his closest confidants.

Working with Ottawa-based officials, the trio were crucial in devising the response in the hours and days to come,&nbsp;the sources told Reuters. Chin and Reporter, brought on a few months earlier, both were experienced in crisis management.

The&nbsp;approach: Be open, remorseful and solicitous of questions from the public and the media. Take a break from campaigning-as-usual. And draw the air out of the issue as early as possible ahead of the Oct 21 election.

Scott Reid, chief spokesman for former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin, said the quick apology was the right track: “Waiting to compose your thoughts and seeing how the dust settles is evidence of people who are perhaps not thoroughly motivated by the right instincts.”

Cabinet ministers – including those from ethnic minorities – expressed disappointment with the revelations but pledged loyalty to Trudeau. Aides dismissed the idea that he was racist, noting he had been the driving force behind a decision to welcome around 40,000 Syrian refugees since taking power in November 2015.

But the crisis meant the Liberals had to temporarily toss their general-election playbook to the side. It had called for an aggressive campaign that painted the Conservative Party of Canada as a haven for racist, anti-gay and anti-abortion candidates while stressing measures to make life more affordable for Canadians.

That approach, the aides who spoke to Reuters said, had been intended to help the Liberals get around another obstacle: voter distrust after Canada's ethics watchdog formally reprimanded Trudeau and his top officials in August for inappropriately interfering in a corporate corruption case.

Trudeau’s plane took off for Winnipeg later that Wednesday, and according to one observer,&nbsp;he remained locked in conversation with Cyrus Reporter for much of the flight. Upon arrival, the prime minister and his team decamped to a different hotel than the traveling press corps and, unusually, had no communication with accompanying media for 12 hours.

For much of that time, Trudeau was in a room calling more Liberal parliamentarians and community leaders, said a Liberal aide familiar with the matter.

The aides decided to cancel a planned announcement on education that had been scheduled for the next day. Trudeau told aides he did not want to immediately pivot to a campaign announcement.&nbsp;“I don't want (speech) lines that say, 'I am very sorry for what happened, but here's something even more important,'" one person who helped draw up Trudeau's strategy recalled the prime minister saying.

His campaign news conferences usually run for 15 to 20 minutes, but that first day in Winnipeg, Trudeau overruled advisers, opting to speak at length in the middle of a public square "where we had no way of controlling who was present," according to one aide.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

For nearly an hour, reporters aggressively quizzed Trudeau on his thinking when he wore blackface, on whether there were other similar incidents and if he planned to resign.

Standing in front of hundreds of spectators, Trudeau again apologized for his "massive blind spot" and appealed for forgiveness.

Back on the campaign plane, he headed&nbsp;to the western city of Saskatoon, a planned nighttime rally of Liberal supporters was canceled and replaced by a town hall where anyone could ask whatever they wanted.

"We couldn't do a triumphant rally that night. We didn't know how people felt," said one campaign team member.

"A rally would have been highly inappropriate – he was in the penalty box,' said another Liberal directly involved with the campaign, referring to the temporary punishment meted out to ice hockey players.

After two days of apologies, however, Trudeau was ready to go&nbsp;back on the offensive. He rattled off four major policies in just three days, including an announcement Sept. 20 on gun control in Toronto.

The next day, the front page of the Globe and Mail national newspaper led on the guns measure rather than the black-face images.&nbsp;

Nanos Research pollster Nik Nanos, who describes himself as unaffiliated with any political party, said the Liberals were lucky that there was still time for their poll numbers to rise.

"If this had happened in the last week of the campaign, we'd be saying Prime Minister Andrew Scheer,” Nanos said.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his election campaign team were on the way to the airport in Nova Scotia on Sept. 18 when Time magazine journalists called with alarming news.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his election campaign team were on the way to the airport in Nova Scotia on Sept. 18 when Time magazine journalists called with alarming news. Within hours, the magazine would publish a picture that could doom his bid to win another four years in power. The 2001 image showed a 29-year-old Trudeau at an Arabian Nights party, his face covered in dark makeup, evoking racial stereotypes that seemed contrary to everything he stood for. Parked on the Halifax airport tarmac that Wednesday, as campaign planners pushed for a timely departure to Winnipeg, Trudeau’s closest aides nixed the idea of spending the next four hours in the air. Then and there, they would scramble to get ahead of the explosive story. The election was a month away. While some aides prepared a contrite message for Trudeau to deliver to the media, the 47-year-old prime minister began calling as many Liberal legislators and cabinet ministers from ethnic minorities as he could, hoping to beat the news on Twitter. One was Omar Alghabra, a Liberal parliamentarian of Syrian descent, who said that Trudeau's heads-up came with profuse apologies. Still, in the plane, Trudeau called a nationally televised media conference at which he not only apologized repeatedly but also admitted to another incident of donning dark make-up. Interviews with that confidant and five other aides and strategists show how a hastily but carefully choreographed strategy over the ensuing week aimed to quickly rehabilitate the prime minister’s image before the damage gelled. None of the six who spoke to Reuters agreed to be named, citing the sensitivity of the situation. No one connected to the campaign would speak on the record. "You can't dodge, you can't spin. You just have to put him out there and let people shout at him if they want to," said one Liberal aide who helped craft the strategy. Whether the strategy to quickly apologize was the right one remains to be seen: Polls showed Trudeau’s popularity dipping in the immediate aftermath of the revelations before recovering. Since then, however, surveys of public opinion show the Liberals will be lucky to eke out even a weak minority government and could lose to the official opposition Conservatives led by Andrew Scheer. "We won't know the effect of the pictures until election day," said a senior Trudeau adviser. "People might decide that however much they support us, they can't vote Liberal because of this." Liberal officials say lower voter turnout among Trudeau's supporters is a major risk. In response to questions for this article, Conservative campaign spokesman Daniel Schow said the Liberal’s campaign strategy hasn’t worked. “Justin Trudeau has spent the last four years lecturing Canadians about social and diversity issues with a holier-than-thou attitude. There’s no way to spin hypocrisy. Canadians now realize that Justin Trudeau is not as advertised." Scheer, the Conservative leader, said at a news conference on Sept 19 that Trudeau had not been sincere in his apology or fully truthful about his past. He cited a video in which Trudeau was captured dancing in blackface. Trudeau told reporters he had not remembered the 1990s incident. “I think Canadians might have accepted Justin Trudeau’s apology if he hadn’t lied about it," Sheer said at the news conference. “I think he has lost the moral authority to govern.” Inside the Trudeau camp, three people took charge of damage control: Former journalist Ben Chin, who had been chief of staff to the finance minister and was now in charge of messaging; Cyrus Reporter, a long-time Trudeau ally and former chief of staff when Trudeau was in opposition; and current chief of staff Katie Telford, one of his closest confidants. Working with Ottawa-based officials, the trio were crucial in devising the response in the hours and days to come, the sources told Reuters. Chin and Reporter, brought on a few months earlier, both were experienced in crisis management. The approach: Be open, remorseful and solicitous of questions from the public and the media. Take a break from campaigning-as-usual. And draw the air out of the issue as early as possible ahead of the Oct 21 election. Scott Reid, chief spokesman for former Liberal prime minister Paul Martin, said the quick apology was the right track: “Waiting to compose your thoughts and seeing how the dust settles is evidence of people who are perhaps not thoroughly motivated by the right instincts.” Cabinet ministers – including those from ethnic minorities – expressed disappointment with the revelations but pledged loyalty to Trudeau. Aides dismissed the idea that he was racist, noting he had been the driving force behind a decision to welcome around 40,000 Syrian refugees since taking power in November 2015. But the crisis meant the Liberals had to temporarily toss their general-election playbook to the side. It had called for an aggressive campaign that painted the Conservative Party of Canada as a haven for racist, anti-gay and anti-abortion candidates while stressing measures to make life more affordable for Canadians. That approach, the aides who spoke to Reuters said, had been intended to help the Liberals get around another obstacle: voter distrust after Canada's ethics watchdog formally reprimanded Trudeau and his top officials in August for inappropriately interfering in a corporate corruption case. Trudeau’s plane took off for Winnipeg later that Wednesday, and according to one observer, he remained locked in conversation with Cyrus Reporter for much of the flight. Upon arrival, the prime minister and his team decamped to a different hotel than the traveling press corps and, unusually, had no communication with accompanying media for 12 hours. For much of that time, Trudeau was in a room calling more Liberal parliamentarians and community leaders, said a Liberal aide familiar with the matter. The aides decided to cancel a planned announcement on education that had been scheduled for the next day. Trudeau told aides he did not want to immediately pivot to a campaign announcement. “I don't want (speech) lines that say, 'I am very sorry for what happened, but here's something even more important,'" one person who helped draw up Trudeau's strategy recalled the prime minister saying. His campaign news conferences usually run for 15 to 20 minutes, but that first day in Winnipeg, Trudeau overruled advisers, opting to speak at length in the middle of a public square "where we had no way of controlling who was present," according to one aide. For nearly an hour, reporters aggressively quizzed Trudeau on his thinking when he wore blackface, on whether there were other similar incidents and if he planned to resign. Standing in front of hundreds of spectators, Trudeau again apologized for his "massive blind spot" and appealed for forgiveness. Back on the campaign plane, he headed to the western city of Saskatoon, a planned nighttime rally of Liberal supporters was canceled and replaced by a town hall where anyone could ask whatever they wanted. "We couldn't do a triumphant rally that night. We didn't know how people felt," said one campaign team member. "A rally would have been highly inappropriate – he was in the penalty box,' said another Liberal directly involved with the campaign, referring to the temporary punishment meted out to ice hockey players. After two days of apologies, however, Trudeau was ready to go back on the offensive. He rattled off four major policies in just three days, including an announcement Sept. 20 on gun control in Toronto. The next day, the front page of the Globe and Mail national newspaper led on the guns measure rather than the black-face images. Nanos Research pollster Nik Nanos, who describes himself as unaffiliated with any political party, said the Liberals were lucky that there was still time for their poll numbers to rise. "If this had happened in the last week of the campaign, we'd be saying Prime Minister Andrew Scheer,” Nanos said.

How the Trudeau campaign scrambled to sidestep political disaster

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-trudeau-to-march-with-climate-activist-greta-thunberg-252262">Canada is in talks with the United States</a> to seek ways for both to reduce their dependence on China for rare earth elements, key minerals for high-tech products, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday.

He said that in his last meeting with US President Donald Trump, "I highlighted that Canada has many of the rare earth minerals that are so necessary for modern technology."

Trudeau emphasized that Canada "is a solid ally" and can offer "a reliable supply" of rare earth minerals, many of which currently "come from China."

It is in Canada's interest, Trudeau said, "to ensure that we have reliable supplies of these important minerals for technologies and it is a conversation that our government is leading on."

The remarks followed a report in the Globe and Mail newspaper that Canada and the United States are drafting plans to reduce their mutual dependence on China for rare earth minerals such as lithium, uranium, caesium and cobalt.

China controls more than 90 per cent of the world's supply of those minerals used for key components in smartphones, solar panels and advanced military technology. It is also the world's top producer and refiner of rare earth minerals.

As the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/day-after-imran-khan-returns-from-us-pakistan-removes-maleeha-lodhi-as-permanent-representative-to-un-252912">US-China trade war</a> heats up, Beijing has hinted that it could block exports of rare earth metals.

The threat is not empty: in 2010 China temporarily halted such exports to Japan during a territorial dispute.

Canada and China are also going through an unprecedented rift in their relations following the December 2018 arrest in Vancouver of top Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou of Huawei on a US warrant.

Washington wants to put Meng on trial for fraud for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks -- accusations her lawyers dispute.

The case is currently winding its way through Canada's court system.

Nine days after Meng's arrest, Beijing detained two Canadians - former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor - accusing them of espionage in a move widely viewed as retaliation.

China has also blocked billions worth of Canadian agricultural shipments.

Canada is in talks with the United States to seek ways for both to reduce their dependence on China for rare earth elements, key minerals for high-tech products, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday.

Canada is in talks with the United States to seek ways for both to reduce their dependence on China for rare earth elements, key minerals for high-tech products, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday. He said that in his last meeting with US President Donald Trump, "I highlighted that Canada has many of the rare earth minerals that are so necessary for modern technology." Trudeau emphasized that Canada "is a solid ally" and can offer "a reliable supply" of rare earth minerals, many of which currently "come from China." It is in Canada's interest, Trudeau said, "to ensure that we have reliable supplies of these important minerals for technologies and it is a conversation that our government is leading on." The remarks followed a report in the Globe and Mail newspaper that Canada and the United States are drafting plans to reduce their mutual dependence on China for rare earth minerals such as lithium, uranium, caesium and cobalt. China controls more than 90 per cent of the world's supply of those minerals used for key components in smartphones, solar panels and advanced military technology. It is also the world's top producer and refiner of rare earth minerals. As the US-China trade war heats up, Beijing has hinted that it could block exports of rare earth metals. The threat is not empty: in 2010 China temporarily halted such exports to Japan during a territorial dispute. Canada and China are also going through an unprecedented rift in their relations following the December 2018 arrest in Vancouver of top Chinese telecom executive Meng Wanzhou of Huawei on a US warrant. Washington wants to put Meng on trial for fraud for allegedly violating Iran sanctions and lying about it to US banks -- accusations her lawyers dispute. The case is currently winding its way through Canada's court system. Nine days after Meng's arrest, Beijing detained two Canadians - former diplomat Michael Kovrig and businessman Michael Spavor - accusing them of espionage in a move widely viewed as retaliation. China has also blocked billions worth of Canadian agricultural shipments.

Canada, US seek to reduce dependency on China for rare earth minerals

Lawyers for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou will be in a Canadian courtroom on Monday to press for details surrounding her arrest at Vancouver's airport nearly 10 months ago.

Meng, 47, was detained on December 1 at the request of the United States, where she is charged with bank fraud and accused of misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business in Iran. Meng, who is expected in court, has said she is innocent and is fighting extradition.

The arrest has strained China's relations with both the United States and Canada.

At Monday's 10 am (1700 GMT) hearing before Justice Heather Holmes of the British Columbia Supreme Court, Meng's defense team will request more disclosure surrounding her detention at the airport, including contacts between US and Canadian authorities.

Meng's lawyers argue she was unlawfully detained, searched and questioned for over three hours after she landed on a flight from Hong Kong. Under the ruse of an immigration check, the defense claims, Canadian officials delayed her arrest and collected evidence for US authorities.

Extradition proceedings against Meng should be halted if officials abused the process, the lawyers say. Besides accusations of misconduct related to her detention, they argue the United States is using Meng for economic and political gain, noting that after her arrest, US President Donald Trump said he would intervene if it would help close a trade deal.

Lawyers for Canada will respond to the demand for more information about Meng's arrest in court, according to a Canadian Department of Justice spokesman, who added that Meng had already been provided with "extensive disclosure, beyond what is required."

Canadian police and border officers, in response to a civil claim Meng filed earlier this year, have said they acted "lawfully and in good faith."

Vancouver lawyer Gary Botting, who has seen a video of Meng being detained at the airport, said immigration officials came across as "Keystone Cops."

"There are real questions about whether her rights were violated," said Botting, who briefed Meng's defense team on Canada's extradition law after her arrest but is no longer involved with the case.

The extradition hearing itself is not scheduled to start until January.

Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, spent 10 days in jail in December but was then released on C$10 million ($7.5 million) bail and is living in one of her two multimillion-dollar homes in Vancouver. She is required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet and pay for security guards.

Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, has been accused by the United States of activities contrary to national security or foreign policy interests.

US and Chinese officials resumed trade talks last week, as the world’s two largest economies try to negotiate a way out of their 14-month trade war.

Lawyers for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou will be in a Canadian courtroom on Monday to press for details surrounding her arrest at Vancouver's airport nearly 10 months ago.

Lawyers for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou will be in a Canadian courtroom on Monday to press for details surrounding her arrest at Vancouver's airport nearly 10 months ago. Meng, 47, was detained on December 1 at the request of the United States, where she is charged with bank fraud and accused of misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business in Iran. Meng, who is expected in court, has said she is innocent and is fighting extradition. The arrest has strained China's relations with both the United States and Canada. At Monday's 10 am (1700 GMT) hearing before Justice Heather Holmes of the British Columbia Supreme Court, Meng's defense team will request more disclosure surrounding her detention at the airport, including contacts between US and Canadian authorities. Meng's lawyers argue she was unlawfully detained, searched and questioned for over three hours after she landed on a flight from Hong Kong. Under the ruse of an immigration check, the defense claims, Canadian officials delayed her arrest and collected evidence for US authorities. Extradition proceedings against Meng should be halted if officials abused the process, the lawyers say. Besides accusations of misconduct related to her detention, they argue the United States is using Meng for economic and political gain, noting that after her arrest, US President Donald Trump said he would intervene if it would help close a trade deal. Lawyers for Canada will respond to the demand for more information about Meng's arrest in court, according to a Canadian Department of Justice spokesman, who added that Meng had already been provided with "extensive disclosure, beyond what is required." Canadian police and border officers, in response to a civil claim Meng filed earlier this year, have said they acted "lawfully and in good faith." Vancouver lawyer Gary Botting, who has seen a video of Meng being detained at the airport, said immigration officials came across as "Keystone Cops." "There are real questions about whether her rights were violated," said Botting, who briefed Meng's defense team on Canada's extradition law after her arrest but is no longer involved with the case. The extradition hearing itself is not scheduled to start until January. Meng, the daughter of Huawei founder Ren Zhengfei, spent 10 days in jail in December but was then released on C$10 million ($7.5 million) bail and is living in one of her two multimillion-dollar homes in Vancouver. She is required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet and pay for security guards. Huawei, the world's largest telecommunications equipment maker, has been accused by the United States of activities contrary to national security or foreign policy interests. US and Chinese officials resumed trade talks last week, as the world’s two largest economies try to negotiate a way out of their 14-month trade war.

Huawei CFO's arrest at airport to be focus of Vancouver hearing

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, embroiled in a blackface picture scandal, on Friday pledged to ban military-style assault rifles in the country's most ethnically diverse city in a bid to get his campaign back on issue.

Trudeau is campaigning in Toronto with less than five weeks to go before the October&nbsp;21 national election and two days after bombshell images of him in blackface emerged.

"Thoughts and prayers aren't going to cut it," Trudeau said in Toronto. "We know you do not need a military-grade assault weapon, one designed to kill the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time, to take down a deer."

This month, a 17-year-old was killed by gunfire and five other people were wounded in a community just outside of Toronto, and two days later another person was killed in a shooting on a major highway.

The Liberal Party leader vowed on Thursday to continue his push for re-lection and asked for forgiveness. Several ministers turned up at the announcement to show their support, including Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Trudeau said the new gun rules would include a buyback program for all legally purchased assault rifles, and a Liberal government would also work with other levels of government to give municipalities the ability to further restrict or ban handguns.

In August, Toronto Mayor John Tory said a city-wide handgun ban would be enough to reduce gun violence in Canada's biggest city. All federal parties are hoping to make political gains in and around Toronto this election.

Before the blackface images emerged two days ago, polls showed Trudeau running head-to-head with his main rival, Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer.

Trudeau's campaign was upended when Time magazine on Wednesday published an image of the prime minister, who is known to be a strong advocate for multiculturalism, with his face blackened at a 2001 "Arabian Nights" party when he was a 29-year-old teacher at a Vancouver private school.

Other images have since emerged, and Trudeau said on Thursday he was "wary" of ruling out the existence of even more because he could not remember those that had already come to light.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, embroiled in a blackface picture scandal, on Friday pledged to ban military-style assault rifles in the country's most ethnically diverse city in a bid to get his campaign back on issue.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, embroiled in a blackface picture scandal, on Friday pledged to ban military-style assault rifles in the country's most ethnically diverse city in a bid to get his campaign back on issue. Trudeau is campaigning in Toronto with less than five weeks to go before the October 21 national election and two days after bombshell images of him in blackface emerged. "Thoughts and prayers aren't going to cut it," Trudeau said in Toronto. "We know you do not need a military-grade assault weapon, one designed to kill the largest number of people in the shortest amount of time, to take down a deer." This month, a 17-year-old was killed by gunfire and five other people were wounded in a community just outside of Toronto, and two days later another person was killed in a shooting on a major highway. The Liberal Party leader vowed on Thursday to continue his push for re-lection and asked for forgiveness. Several ministers turned up at the announcement to show their support, including Finance Minister Bill Morneau and Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland. Trudeau said the new gun rules would include a buyback program for all legally purchased assault rifles, and a Liberal government would also work with other levels of government to give municipalities the ability to further restrict or ban handguns. In August, Toronto Mayor John Tory said a city-wide handgun ban would be enough to reduce gun violence in Canada's biggest city. All federal parties are hoping to make political gains in and around Toronto this election. Before the blackface images emerged two days ago, polls showed Trudeau running head-to-head with his main rival, Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer. Trudeau's campaign was upended when Time magazine on Wednesday published an image of the prime minister, who is known to be a strong advocate for multiculturalism, with his face blackened at a 2001 "Arabian Nights" party when he was a 29-year-old teacher at a Vancouver private school. Other images have since emerged, and Trudeau said on Thursday he was "wary" of ruling out the existence of even more because he could not remember those that had already come to light.

Canada's Trudeau pledges assault rifle ban, pivots campaign amid blackface scandal

The number of birds in the United States and Canada has fallen by an astonishing 29 per cent, or almost three billion, since 1970, scientists reported Thursday, saying their findings signalled a widespread ecological crisis.

Grassland birds are the most affected, because of the disappearance of meadows and prairies and the extension of farmland, as well as the growing use of pesticides that kill insects that affects the entire food chain.

But forest birds and species that occur in a wider variety of habitats -- known as habitat generalists -- are also part of the downward trend.

"We see the same thing happening the world over, the intensification of agriculture and land-use changes are placing pressure on these bird populations," Ken Rosenberg, an ornithologist at Cornell University and principal co-author of the paper in Science told AFP.

"Now, we see fields of corn and other crops right up to the horizon, everything is sanitized and mechanized, there's no room left for birds, fauna and nature."

More than 90 per cent of the losses are from 12 species including sparrows, warblers, blackbirds, and finches.

The figures mirror declines observed elsewhere, notably France, where the National Observatory of Biodiversity estimates a 30 per cent decline in grasslands birds between 1989 and 2017.

The US study combined two data sources.

The first was annual surveys carried out each spring, during the breeding season, conducted by thousands of volunteers, according to an identical methodology, since 1970.

The volunteers stopped every half-mile along a 40 kilometres journey through the countryside, counting all the birds they saw in three minutes. Researchers then compiled and analyzed the results.

The second source came from observations from 143 radar stations which can detect the flocks of birds during migrations that took place at night.&nbsp;

More than half of the North American bird species are migratory, flying either to the southern US or to Central and South America,

The radar information was less precise but also showed a decline of 13.6 per cent between 2007 and 2017, with a margin of error of nine points.

Ducks and geese are the big exception: after a period of decline, their numbers have grown since 1970.&nbsp;

That is thanks to increased awareness among hunters who have supported protection measures, Rosenberg said.

Ornithologists also mention other factors, such as cats left outside, and even birds dying after smashing into the windows of houses.&nbsp;

The number killed in this way is far from insignificant: researchers in 2014 estimated it at between 365 million and a billion per year.

The number of birds in the United States and Canada has fallen by an astonishing 29 per cent, or almost three billion, since 1970, scientists reported Thursday, saying their findings signalled a widespread ecological crisis.

The number of birds in the United States and Canada has fallen by an astonishing 29 per cent, or almost three billion, since 1970, scientists reported Thursday, saying their findings signalled a widespread ecological crisis. Grassland birds are the most affected, because of the disappearance of meadows and prairies and the extension of farmland, as well as the growing use of pesticides that kill insects that affects the entire food chain. But forest birds and species that occur in a wider variety of habitats -- known as habitat generalists -- are also part of the downward trend. "We see the same thing happening the world over, the intensification of agriculture and land-use changes are placing pressure on these bird populations," Ken Rosenberg, an ornithologist at Cornell University and principal co-author of the paper in Science told AFP. "Now, we see fields of corn and other crops right up to the horizon, everything is sanitized and mechanized, there's no room left for birds, fauna and nature." More than 90 per cent of the losses are from 12 species including sparrows, warblers, blackbirds, and finches. The figures mirror declines observed elsewhere, notably France, where the National Observatory of Biodiversity estimates a 30 per cent decline in grasslands birds between 1989 and 2017. The US study combined two data sources. The first was annual surveys carried out each spring, during the breeding season, conducted by thousands of volunteers, according to an identical methodology, since 1970. The volunteers stopped every half-mile along a 40 kilometres journey through the countryside, counting all the birds they saw in three minutes. Researchers then compiled and analyzed the results. The second source came from observations from 143 radar stations which can detect the flocks of birds during migrations that took place at night. More than half of the North American bird species are migratory, flying either to the southern US or to Central and South America, The radar information was less precise but also showed a decline of 13.6 per cent between 2007 and 2017, with a margin of error of nine points. Ducks and geese are the big exception: after a period of decline, their numbers have grown since 1970. That is thanks to increased awareness among hunters who have supported protection measures, Rosenberg said. Ornithologists also mention other factors, such as cats left outside, and even birds dying after smashing into the windows of houses. The number killed in this way is far from insignificant: researchers in 2014 estimated it at between 365 million and a billion per year.

North America lost nearly 3 billion birds over 50 years: Study

Justin Trudeau Of 2019 Is An Embattled Prime Minister Locked In A Tense Battle For Re-election.

Gravitas: Scandals Puncture Trudeau's Popularity

All The Major Parties In Canada Favour Immigration, But They Differ On Immigration Levels.

Gravitas: Impact of Immigration on Canada's Politics in 2019

Justin Trudeau Of 2019 Is An Embattled Prime Minister Locked In A Tense Battle For Re-election

Gravitas: Scandals puncher Trudeau's Popularity

Canada is in election mode and Indians are in the focus. Earlier this week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked off his re-election bid.&nbsp;

A long and intense period of campaigning lies ahead of him. The election is on October 21 and the world is watching the political rise of Indian-Canadians.&nbsp;

Indian-Canadians are one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the country with the trend to remain strong for the foreseeable future. &nbsp;

In 2018, almost 40, 000 Indian citizens took permanent residency of Canada - 43 per cent of the total residencies granted. This reflects that 43 per cent of legal migrants to Canada last year were Indians.

Canada - immigration friendly

Canada has an ageing population. Senior citizens outnumbered children in 2017. The Canadian government, therefore, looked outside for younger and educated people to make up a new workforce. &nbsp;

It opened its doors for the immigrants. This election is set to be a test for that 'open-door' policy.&nbsp;

Trudeau's liberal values, personal charm and large supporter base ensured that he was elected with an outright majority in 2015. But in the last couple of years, blunders within his administration have punctured Trudeau's popularity.

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Jagmeet Singh

This year's Canadian election will be closely watched for another reason. A record number of candidates of Indian origin will feature in these polls.&nbsp;

An official confirmation is still awaited but the final number could be as high as 50 candidates of Indian origin.&nbsp;

Last time around, 19 Indian Canadians from Trudeau's liberal party had won the election. 18 of them were of Punjabi origin with five women candidates.&nbsp;

Kicking off a six-week-long campaign recently, Justin Trudeau said, "Beyond the liberals, people will have their eyes on one candidate in particular. Jagmeet Singh - the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party. He could very well emerge as the kingmaker in this two-sided contest".

Singh is the first non-white contender to lead a major political party in Canada and he has made some ambitious promises. But, India should be worried about Canada's rising political star as Jagmeet Singh is seen as a Khalistan sympathiser.&nbsp;

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Growing number of Indians in Canada

According to the 2015 census, one in five Canadians today was born outside the country as a citizen of another country. As of 2017, the maximum number of immigrants in Canada were Indians.

India tops the list when it comes to the immigrant population in Canada by the country of birth, China comes second.&nbsp;

These numbers are significant. People of Indian origin can make or break elections in Canada. This explains why a person of Indian origin, Jagmeet Singh, is one of the candidates in the fray for the post of the Canadian prime minister.

This also explains why Trudeau always flaunts his fondness for Indians.

While Singh's presence could derail Trudeau this time, he is not likely to win. Singh will be the kingmaker, cutting into Trudeau's votes.

If that happens, it would mean that immigration - Trudeau's go-to political ploy, has failed. 
&nbsp;

Canada is in election mode and Indians are in the focus. Earlier this week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked off his re-election bid. A long and intense period of campaigning lies ahead of him.

Canada is in election mode and Indians are in the focus. Earlier this week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked off his re-election bid. A long and intense period of campaigning lies ahead of him. The election is on October 21 and the world is watching the political rise of Indian-Canadians. Indian-Canadians are one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups in the country with the trend to remain strong for the foreseeable future. In 2018, almost 40, 000 Indian citizens took permanent residency of Canada - 43 per cent of the total residencies granted. This reflects that 43 per cent of legal migrants to Canada last year were Indians. Canada - immigration friendly Canada has an ageing population. Senior citizens outnumbered children in 2017. The Canadian government, therefore, looked outside for younger and educated people to make up a new workforce. It opened its doors for the immigrants. This election is set to be a test for that 'open-door' policy. Trudeau's liberal values, personal charm and large supporter base ensured that he was elected with an outright majority in 2015. But in the last couple of years, blunders within his administration have punctured Trudeau's popularity. × Jagmeet Singh This year's Canadian election will be closely watched for another reason. A record number of candidates of Indian origin will feature in these polls. An official confirmation is still awaited but the final number could be as high as 50 candidates of Indian origin. Last time around, 19 Indian Canadians from Trudeau's liberal party had won the election. 18 of them were of Punjabi origin with five women candidates. Kicking off a six-week-long campaign recently, Justin Trudeau said, "Beyond the liberals, people will have their eyes on one candidate in particular. Jagmeet Singh - the leader of Canada's New Democratic Party. He could very well emerge as the kingmaker in this two-sided contest". Singh is the first non-white contender to lead a major political party in Canada and he has made some ambitious promises. But, India should be worried about Canada's rising political star as Jagmeet Singh is seen as a Khalistan sympathiser. × Growing number of Indians in Canada According to the 2015 census, one in five Canadians today was born outside the country as a citizen of another country. As of 2017, the maximum number of immigrants in Canada were Indians. India tops the list when it comes to the immigrant population in Canada by the country of birth, China comes second. These numbers are significant. People of Indian origin can make or break elections in Canada. This explains why a person of Indian origin, Jagmeet Singh, is one of the candidates in the fray for the post of the Canadian prime minister. This also explains why Trudeau always flaunts his fondness for Indians. While Singh's presence could derail Trudeau this time, he is not likely to win. Singh will be the kingmaker, cutting into Trudeau's votes. If that happens, it would mean that immigration - Trudeau's go-to political ploy, has failed.

As Canada gears for elections, here's why Indian-Canadians are set to play crucial role 

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admired abroad for his progressive policies but damaged by scandals at home, kicks off a six-week re-election campaign on Wednesday with opinion polls suggesting his hold on power will be weakened.

Trudeau, who swept to office in November 2015 promising "sunny ways" and stressing the importance of gender equality, gay rights and the environment, faces an electorate more focused on the economy and affordability when it votes on October 21.

Trudeau will visit the Ottawa residence of Governor General Julie Payette, the acting head of state, to formally launch the race at 10 am.&nbsp;(1400 GMT).

The 47-year-old married father of three, whose colourful socks and classic good looks are often splashed across the international media, may have history on his side.

Not since 1935 has a Canadian prime minister who won a parliamentary majority in his first term been booted from office in the next election.

But Trudeau may not win enough seats to govern by himself after a series of missteps that called into question his leadership while cutting into his once sky-high popularity. That would leave him and his Liberal Party weakened, relying on opposition members of parliament to push through legislation.

A Nanos Research poll released on Tuesday showed the Liberals at 34.6 per cent&nbsp;and the main opposition Conservatives, led by Andrew Scheer, at 30.7 per cent.&nbsp;That margin would not be enough to guarantee a majority of seats in the House of Commons.

 
'Punish the bums'

Senior Liberals say they are quietly confident of victory and predict Trudeau will campaign much more effectively than Scheer, 40, who is fighting his first election as Conservative leader.

But Canadian campaigns can produce major surprises. The Liberals trailed in the third place when the 2015 election was called but steadily improved to pull off an outright victory.

"This is not a 'Throw the bums out' election. This is a 'Punish the bums' election," said Nik Nanos, head of Nanos Research.

Trudeau's challenge is that he is running on his record rather than the uplifting message of hope and change that helped the Liberals attract record numbers of green, youth and aboriginal voters in 2015.

Since then, Trudeau, the son of former Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, has broken major campaign promises by scrapping plans to introduce voter reform and allowing budget deficits to mushroom. He also angered environmentalists by buying an oil pipeline to ensure crude exports could increase.

"For average Canadians, the key takeaway is that Justin Trudeau is not an exception, he's like other politicians," said Nanos.

Liberals, however, cite near-record low jobless numbers, booming growth and lower levels of poverty as grounds for re-election.

"(We) have delivered for Canadians for four years in a way that is concrete and measurable," said a senior party official.

World is watching

Although rivals may dismiss Trudeau's achievements, diplomats in allied countries say his focus on feminism, the environment and the need for multilateral organizations is important at a time when populism is on the rise and the United States seems intent on shrinking its global ambitions.

"We are paying very close attention. What will it mean if one of the few remaining progressive leaders is defeated?" said an official at one major Western embassy in Ottawa.

The worst moment of Trudeau's tenure came in February when former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould accused the prime minister and top officials of inappropriately pressuring her to ensure that construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc avoid a trial on corruption charges.

Last month, a top watchdog ruled the prime minister and his team had indeed breached ethics rules.

Trudeau also raised eyebrows when he admitted he had had no idea Wilson-Raybould was unhappy, prompting questions about how involved he was in the day-to-day running of the country.

Scheer had surged after the SNC-Lavalin affair, but he appears to be struggling in Ontario, the most populous of Canada's 10 provinces, where a conservative premier is pushing through unpopular spending cuts.

Major planks of the Liberal platform will include measures to address cellphone and internet bills and a limited expansion to the universal healthcare system to cover part of the cost of prescription drugs, say, party insiders.

Scheer promises to halt what he calls unsustainable government spending, saying in a video last week: "We have a plan for a government that lives within its means so we can put more money in your pocket."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admired abroad for his progressive policies but damaged by scandals at home, kicks off a six-week re-election campaign on Wednesday with opinion polls suggesting his hold on power will be weakened.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau admired abroad for his progressive policies but damaged by scandals at home, kicks off a six-week re-election campaign on Wednesday with opinion polls suggesting his hold on power will be weakened. Trudeau, who swept to office in November 2015 promising "sunny ways" and stressing the importance of gender equality, gay rights and the environment, faces an electorate more focused on the economy and affordability when it votes on October 21. Trudeau will visit the Ottawa residence of Governor General Julie Payette, the acting head of state, to formally launch the race at 10 am. (1400 GMT). The 47-year-old married father of three, whose colourful socks and classic good looks are often splashed across the international media, may have history on his side. Not since 1935 has a Canadian prime minister who won a parliamentary majority in his first term been booted from office in the next election. But Trudeau may not win enough seats to govern by himself after a series of missteps that called into question his leadership while cutting into his once sky-high popularity. That would leave him and his Liberal Party weakened, relying on opposition members of parliament to push through legislation. A Nanos Research poll released on Tuesday showed the Liberals at 34.6 per cent and the main opposition Conservatives, led by Andrew Scheer, at 30.7 per cent. That margin would not be enough to guarantee a majority of seats in the House of Commons. 'Punish the bums' Senior Liberals say they are quietly confident of victory and predict Trudeau will campaign much more effectively than Scheer, 40, who is fighting his first election as Conservative leader. But Canadian campaigns can produce major surprises. The Liberals trailed in the third place when the 2015 election was called but steadily improved to pull off an outright victory. "This is not a 'Throw the bums out' election. This is a 'Punish the bums' election," said Nik Nanos, head of Nanos Research. Trudeau's challenge is that he is running on his record rather than the uplifting message of hope and change that helped the Liberals attract record numbers of green, youth and aboriginal voters in 2015. Since then, Trudeau, the son of former Liberal Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, has broken major campaign promises by scrapping plans to introduce voter reform and allowing budget deficits to mushroom. He also angered environmentalists by buying an oil pipeline to ensure crude exports could increase. "For average Canadians, the key takeaway is that Justin Trudeau is not an exception, he's like other politicians," said Nanos. Liberals, however, cite near-record low jobless numbers, booming growth and lower levels of poverty as grounds for re-election. "(We) have delivered for Canadians for four years in a way that is concrete and measurable," said a senior party official. World is watching Although rivals may dismiss Trudeau's achievements, diplomats in allied countries say his focus on feminism, the environment and the need for multilateral organizations is important at a time when populism is on the rise and the United States seems intent on shrinking its global ambitions. "We are paying very close attention. What will it mean if one of the few remaining progressive leaders is defeated?" said an official at one major Western embassy in Ottawa. The worst moment of Trudeau's tenure came in February when former Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould accused the prime minister and top officials of inappropriately pressuring her to ensure that construction firm SNC-Lavalin Group Inc avoid a trial on corruption charges. Last month, a top watchdog ruled the prime minister and his team had indeed breached ethics rules. Trudeau also raised eyebrows when he admitted he had had no idea Wilson-Raybould was unhappy, prompting questions about how involved he was in the day-to-day running of the country. Scheer had surged after the SNC-Lavalin affair, but he appears to be struggling in Ontario, the most populous of Canada's 10 provinces, where a conservative premier is pushing through unpopular spending cuts. Major planks of the Liberal platform will include measures to address cellphone and internet bills and a limited expansion to the universal healthcare system to cover part of the cost of prescription drugs, say, party insiders. Scheer promises to halt what he calls unsustainable government spending, saying in a video last week: "We have a plan for a government that lives within its means so we can put more money in your pocket."

Canada's Trudeau, star dimmed by scandals, kicks off tough re-election campaign

Justin Trudeau on Wednesday kicked off the campaign for next month's Canadian general election, gunning to hold onto his liberal majority in a tight race against newcomers on both flanks.

The parties have already been wooing voters with pre-election ads, announcements and whistle-stop in key battlegrounds across the country.

But Governor General Julie Payette's dissolution of Parliament, at Trudeau's behest, marked the official start of the race to the October 21 ballot.

Liberal Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces a tough general election on October 21, dogged by an ethics scandal that has taken the shine off his golden boy image and left him vulnerable to a sharp challenge from Conservative Andrew Scheer.

Also in pursuit of a bigger share of Canada's political pie are social democrat Jagmeet Singh and climate crusader Elizabeth May, who hope to deny the frontrunners a majority.

Justin Trudeau on Wednesday kicked off the campaign for next month's Canadian general election, gunning to hold onto his liberal majority in a tight race against newcomers on both flanks.

Justin Trudeau on Wednesday kicked off the campaign for next month's Canadian general election, gunning to hold onto his liberal majority in a tight race against newcomers on both flanks. The parties have already been wooing voters with pre-election ads, announcements and whistle-stop in key battlegrounds across the country. But Governor General Julie Payette's dissolution of Parliament, at Trudeau's behest, marked the official start of the race to the October 21 ballot. Liberal Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces a tough general election on October 21, dogged by an ethics scandal that has taken the shine off his golden boy image and left him vulnerable to a sharp challenge from Conservative Andrew Scheer. Also in pursuit of a bigger share of Canada's political pie are social democrat Jagmeet Singh and climate crusader Elizabeth May, who hope to deny the frontrunners a majority.

Canadian PM Trudeau dissolves Parliament; launches campaign for October 21 election

As legendary singer Asha Bhosle turned 86 on Sunday, wishes poured in from the called quarters for the veteran singer. Bollywood celebrities wished her on social media and even Candian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.&nbsp; 
 
The singer took to Twitter to share the warm birthday note that Trudeau sent her. "The Indian singer captioned: "On my 86th birthday, I feel happy that my achievements have put India on the world music map where world leaders acknowledge my presence. Thank you to PM Trudeau of Canada," Bhosle tweeted as she shared the Trudeau's message.&nbsp; 
 
Trudeau wrote, "It is a great pleasure to send you best wishes and warmest congratulations on the occasion of your eighty-sixth birthday."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
On my 86th birthday, I feel happy that my achievents have put India on the world music map where world leaders acknowledge my presence. Thank you to PM Trudeau of Canada <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JustinTrudeau</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CanadianPM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CanadianPM</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/smritiirani?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@smritiirani</a> <a href="https://t.co/ax4F59MI1e">pic.twitter.com/ax4F59MI1e</a>
— ashabhosle (@ashabhosle) <a href="https://twitter.com/ashabhosle/status/1170614355836252160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2019</a></blockquote>
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With a career spanning over six decades, the 86-year-old singer has given her fans several hit songs like 'Raat akeli hai', 'Kajra mohabbat wala', 'Dum maro dum' and 'Zara sa jhoom loon main' among several others. 
 
She has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan.

As legendary singer Asha Bhosle turned 86 on Sunday, wishes poured in from the called quarters for the veteran singer. Bollywood celebrities wished her on social media and even Candian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

As legendary singer Asha Bhosle turned 86 on Sunday, wishes poured in from the called quarters for the veteran singer. Bollywood celebrities wished her on social media and even Candian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The singer took to Twitter to share the warm birthday note that Trudeau sent her. "The Indian singer captioned: "On my 86th birthday, I feel happy that my achievements have put India on the world music map where world leaders acknowledge my presence. Thank you to PM Trudeau of Canada," Bhosle tweeted as she shared the Trudeau's message. Trudeau wrote, "It is a great pleasure to send you best wishes and warmest congratulations on the occasion of your eighty-sixth birthday." On my 86th birthday, I feel happy that my achievents have put India on the world music map where world leaders acknowledge my presence. Thank you to PM Trudeau of Canada @JustinTrudeau @CanadianPM @narendramodi @smritiirani pic.twitter.com/ax4F59MI1e — ashabhosle (@ashabhosle) September 8, 2019 × With a career spanning over six decades, the 86-year-old singer has given her fans several hit songs like 'Raat akeli hai', 'Kajra mohabbat wala', 'Dum maro dum' and 'Zara sa jhoom loon main' among several others. She has been honoured with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award and the Padma Vibhushan.

Justin Trudeau wishes legendary singer Asha Bhosle on her 86th birthday

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