Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under fire following his response to a recent by-election defeat in Montreal. The Liberal Party lost the traditionally safe seat of LaSalle-Émard-Verdun to the Bloc Québécois by a narrow margin, prompting questions about Trudeau’s leadership and the party’s future prospects.

In his initial reaction, Trudeau appeared to shift responsibility onto the electorate, saying, “We need people to be more engaged. We need people to understand what’s at stake in this upcoming election.”

This comment has drawn criticism from opposition parties and political analysts, who argue it deflects from the Liberal Party’s own shortcomings.

The loss in Montreal follows a similar defeat in Toronto-St. Paul’s earlier this year, another riding previously considered a Liberal stronghold. These consecutive losses in urban centers have raised alarm bells within the party and fueled speculation about Trudeau’s ability to lead the Liberals into the next federal election.

Despite mounting pressure, Trudeau remains steadfast in his position, insisting that no significant changes are needed in the party’s approach. He emphasized the need to better communicate the Liberal agenda to Canadians.

“The big thing is to make sure that Canadians understand that the choice they get to make in the next election about the kind of country we are really matters,” Trudeau said on Tuesday.

However, political observers note that Trudeau’s response may be insufficient given the current political climate. With the Conservatives leading in national polls and the New Democratic Party withdrawing its support for the Liberal minority government, the pressure on Trudeau and his party continues to mount.

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