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Canada’s election gamble pays off: Trudeau thanks voters for ‘clear mandate’, despite repeat minority win

Justin Trudeau's Liberals have won a minority government, while votes still continue to be counted across Canada, but Trudeau used his speech to celebrate the Liberal Party, saying they are "ready" to get back to work.

"You are sending us back to work with a clear mandate to get Canada through this pandemic and to the brighter days ahead," he said. "My friends, that’s exactly what we are ready to do."

I hear you when you say you just want to get back to the things you love, not worry about this pandemic, or an election. That you just want to know that your members of parliament, of all stripes, will have your back through this crisis and beyond. The moment we face demands real, important change, and you have given this parliament and this government clear direction.Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Trudeau also thanked the leaders of other federal parties and their families for being part of this "important moment."

"Political life isn't easy, this is a path you choose because you believe in serving those around you, thank you for your service," he said. "To the Elections Canada staff and volunteers who signed up to be part of this democratic process, and who will be working around the clock to count votes and tally results, thank you."

"This election has confirmed that our democracy and our institutions remain strong. And to my fellow Canadians, there is no greater honour than serving you and serving this country."

Trudeau also stressed that if you did not vote for his party, he will "stand up for you and work for you every single day."

"No matter how you voted, just like no matter where you come from, what language you speak, the colour of your skin, the way you pray, I hear you," he said. "I hear you when you say that we can only move forward if no one is left behind.

"Our shared journey is built vote by vote, door by door, and above all, person by person."

Trudeau also thanked his wife Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, his children and mother, Margaret, reminiscing that his mother has been going through election nights like this for years.

"Thank you mum for always being there," he said.

Trudeau closed off his speech by quoting former prime minister Wilfred Laurier.

"He said, let them look to the past but let them still more look to the future. Let us not forget the past and dark days we have come through together, but let us still more look to the future and all that is still to come, and all that we have still to build together. Let us feel the warmth of a new dawn and above all, let us seize the promise of a brand new day."