Trudeau Liberals fight to hold on to two Toronto seats

Justin Trudeau’s Liberals have hung on to two normally safe Liberal seats in Toronto but it was a tough fight for both candidates.

Broadcaster Marci Ien had to fend off a strong challenge by newly minted Green party leader Annamie Paul in Monday’s byelection.

Ien managed to retain Toronto Centre for the Liberals, which was previously held by former finance minister Bill Morneau.

Meanwhile, business woman Ya’ara Saks also held on to York Centre for the Grits, but ended only 700 votes ahead of her Conservative challenger.

Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole says the results are a sign that Canadians are losing faith in Trudeau.

During last fall’s general election, the Liberals took Toronto Centre with just over 57 per cent of the vote, York Centre with just over 50 per cent.

On Monday, Ien took 42 per cent of the Toronto Centre vote, while Saks captured almost 46 per cent.