– Long-tailed keyword: Toronto byelection safe Liberal seat Trudeau
– Long-tailed keyword: Toronto byelection Liberal seat Trudeau.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Leslie Church appeared calm and collected as she sat down for an interview in a park in Toronto, just three days before the highly anticipated byelection that could potentially propel her from a seasoned political staffer to a Liberal member of Parliament.
Sitting on a bench under a small shelter, Church seemed prepared for the questions that would come her way. When asked if this vote could be seen as a referendum on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, she responded with a hint of amusement, acknowledging the speculation surrounding the election.
Despite the focus on Trudeau, Church emphasized that ultimately, this is a local election and neither Trudeau nor Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre are on the ballot. However, it is clear that Trudeau’s presence has had an impact on the race, turning what was once a predominantly Liberal riding into a closely contested battle with the Conservatives.
The byelection in Toronto has garnered attention not only for the competitive race between Church and her Conservative opponent, Don Stewart, but also for the lengthy ballot that features seven dozen candidates. A group known as the Longest Ballot Committee orchestrated this protest to highlight the perceived unfairness of the first-past-the-post electoral system.
High Stakes and Celebrity Support
With the byelection drawing high-profile figures from both parties, the stakes are undeniably high. Stewart received support from Ben Mulroney, son of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, while Trudeau himself visited Church’s campaign office to rally volunteers.
Several cabinet ministers, including Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, Housing Minister Sean Fraser, and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, have also lent their support to Church’s campaign.
The riding of Toronto—St. Paul’s, previously held by Carolyn Bennett for over 25 years, has traditionally been a Liberal stronghold. However, a potential loss in this byelection could intensify pressure on Trudeau to step down.
Despite varying opinions on Trudeau, some residents like Simon Berkowitz, a self-professed longtime Liberal, have cast their ballots for Church, citing a preference for her over Poilievre.
Key Issues and Concerns
Located in Toronto’s midtown area, Toronto—St. Paul’s encompasses a mix of affluent neighbourhoods and a significant proportion of renters. The ongoing housing crisis, exacerbated by the pandemic, has heightened concerns among residents.
Additionally, the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas and the subsequent rise in antisemitism have been top of mind for many in the riding, where one in six residents identify as Jewish. Church has acknowledged the fear and uncertainty felt by families in the community.
Trudeau’s response to the Israel-Hamas conflict has faced criticism, with some accusing him of failing to adequately address the rise in hate crimes targeting Jewish communities. The Conservatives have seized on this issue, urging voters to send a message to Trudeau for his perceived inaction.
As the byelection approaches, turnout is expected to be a crucial factor, with historically lower voter participation compared to general elections. The campaign has seen strong engagement, with nearly 10,800 people casting their ballots in advance polls.
With the outcome of the byelection likely to have broader implications for Trudeau’s leadership, the race in Toronto—St. Paul’s has captured national attention and could serve as a barometer of public sentiment towards the current government.
Published on June 23, 2024, by Mia Rabson and Sheila Reid, The Canadian Press
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1. Long-tailed: “Eyes pinned to Toronto byelection as safe Liberal seat teeters under Trudeau”
2. Long-tailed: “Safe Liberal seat teeters under Trudeau in Toronto byelection”.
