Justin Trudeau

"Every morning I've woken up as Prime Minister, I've been inspired by the resilience, generosity and the determination of Canadians. It is the driving force of every single day I have the privilege of serving in this office. That is why since 2015, I fought for this country. For you." - Justin Trudeau

Justin Trudeau

I have not paid too much attention to North American politics as a trio of countries, until Donald Trump and his trade war came along. Trump threatening Canada and Mexico with increased tariffs made headline news around the world. Justin Trudeau’s response to those threats was impressive. The world knows Trump is a pathological liar who wields his power like a sledgehammer. What a contrast an inclusive Trudeau is to the divisive Trump.

Young and Charismatic

Trudeau was elected Prime Minister of Canada in 2015 at a time when many leaders of countries were all young. New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern was our young leader during the time of Trudeau.  A great deal of excitement was generated when these young, charismatic leaders were elected. Trudeau served through to 2025, amidst growing dissent within in his own party and declining support from the public. After 9 years as the Prime Minister, Trudeau handed in his notice on January 6th. He achieved a lot despite facing significant challenges during his term.

Justin Trudeau's Accomplishments:

• Introduced the Canada Child Benefit to fight child poverty.

• Legalized marijuana.

• Made progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Advanced reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

• Created a national childcare program.

• With help from the NDP, initiated a national dental program and the beginning of pharmacare.

• Moved quickly to financially support Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic.

  
  

Justin Trudeau's Failures/Challenges:

• Aggressive progressive agenda also marked by mistakes and broken promises.

• Implemented a consumer carbon tax that became a political cudgel.

• Brought in budgets with ever-changing goal posts.

• Quickly abandoned electoral reform.

• Committed multiple ethics breaches.

• COVID-19 and vaccine mandates caused societal divisions and a convoy protest.

• Faced Donald Trump as a significant opponent, including brinksmanship during free trade negotiations and a full-out trade war.

Summary

The trade war, especially between Canada and the United States, initiated by only one man, Donald Trump, is an issue that piqued my interest.

The more I learnt the more I came to admire Justin Trudeau’s leadership and the values of which he spoke. In his resignation speech he warned Canadians to protect their way of life, declaring individual freedoms and rights were paramount. Trudeau encouraged people, “to be who they want to be, to pray as they pray, and love whom they love.”

Justin Trudeau has the last word on this trade war, “A very dumb thing to do.”

The real reason behind Trump’s government by chaos, it’s not economic incompetence.