A Liberal wave washed away most of the gains made by the NDP in 2011 — capping off a disheartening night for a party now bumped from its role as the official Opposition.
The NDP slipped to third place Monday and leader Thomas Mulcair delivered a concession speech in Montreal telling supporters it's been an election that “has been about change.”
After thanking Conservative Leader Stephen Harper for his service as prime minister, Mulcair turned his attention to Justin Trudeau, lauding the Liberal leader for his achievement.
Trudeau had been taking the brunt of NDP attacks in the last weeks of the election.
“It is clear there are major differences between our respective parties,” Mulcair said to a room of supporters. He told the crowd he accepted the Liberal majority government results “with full humility.”
Mulcair was re-elected in his Montreal-area of riding of Outremont after polls indicated a tight race with Liberal challenger Rachel Bendayan throughout the night.
He referenced how his party’s campaign made history by being the one with the most women and the most indigenous candidates.
“I could not be prouder of the diversity and strength of our NDP team,” Mulcair said.
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