Liberal leader Justin Trudeau will return as Canada’s prime minister after securing a minority government, again, in an early election called by him in August.

Trudeau addressed his support camp in his speech after the main leader of the opposition, Erin O’Toole, conceded defeat.

“I heard you, you don’t want us talking about politics or elections anymore, you want us to focus on the work that we have to do for you” said Trudeau. 

“I heard you say you just want to get back to the things you love and not worry about the pandemic or election.”

Conservative Party Leader Erin O’Toole addressed his supporters at the Conservative Party election headquarters in Oshawa, telling his supporters that the “Conservatives must have the courage to change and have the courage to grow.” 

“We must show Canadians that we will not waiver in our commitment to growth. We must continue to earn the trust of Canadians. We worked hard, we made progress, but the job is not done yet.”

Although the counting of votes is still underway, projections put Trudeau in the driving seat of another minority government, meaning he will need the cooperation of smaller left-of-centre parties. 

The Liberals are projected to take 156 seats while the Conservatives will manage about 121.

The Bloc scored 30 seats in Quebec and Jagmeet Singh’s New Democrat Party appears to be bagging 27 seats, slightly more than their 2019 election tally.

“Thank you, Canada — for casting your vote, for putting your trust in the Liberal team, for choosing a brighter future. We’re going to finish the fight against COVID. And we’re going to move Canada forward. For everyone,” Trudeau Tweeted.

The Canadian prime minister had called a snap election last month, just two years after the previous one, in hopes that voters will reward his administration’s handling of the pandemic.

Trudeau’s popularity was comparatively high before the election for how his administration had tackled the pandemic, but took a hit in the early days of the unpopular election.