(Photo credit: Canadian Press | Fred Chartrand)

 
The Liberal Party claimed a convincing majority in 2015 with 184 of Canada’s 338 federal seats, sending a resounding message that the country was ready for change. Justin Trudeau and his party swept the Atlantic provinces and were particularly dominant in seat-rich Ontario where their candidates claimed 66% of the ridings. The Conservative Party managed to retain much of Alberta but ceded ground in Ontario and British Columbia. The NDP, formerly the official opposition, suffered a humbling defeat with only 44 members elected to Parliament. A comparison with the seat distribution in 2011 reveals where the biggest shifts took place.

 
The NDP lost 43 seats in Quebec and 14 in Ontario. The Conservatives lost 40 in Ontario and their ridings in Atlantic Canada. These losses coupled with Liberal gains in Quebec (33 seats) led to a convincing win for a party that was crippled in 2011 when Stephen Harper won a majority government.

There have been numerous theories attempting to explain the unexpected shift. A lengthy campaign afforded a relatively inexperienced Justin Trudeau the chance to define and fashion himself as a credible alternative to Stephen Harper. His polished looks and youthful appearance may also have swayed more superficial, first-time voters according to some experts.

He has received effusive praise but many are still skeptical and reluctant to embrace Trudeau as the most qualified leader. Many argue Thomas Mulcair was the more suitable alternative to Stephen Harper given his wealth of experience and academic background.

But in politics, optics and perception matter and that is where many feel Mulcair lagged behind his youthful, inexperienced competitor. During the latter stages of the campaign the NDP leader appeared tired and uninspired, whereas Trudeau’s momentum swelled in the final weeks both on the ground and on social media.