When Justin Trudeau became the Prime Minister of Canada in 2015, he came in with a message of hope and transformation, promising Canadians “sunny ways” and a new era of leadership. Almost nine years later, his impact on the country has been both celebrated and criticized as he leaves office, and the legacy that will continue to influence Canada’s future.
Economic Impact
One of the early steps taken by Trudeau in his administration was a middle-class tax cut and the initiation of the Canada Child Benefit. This policy greatly reduced child poverty. Critics say that his government never balanced the federal budget. To date, Canada has a federal deficit of $61.9 billion.
Institute of Fiscal Studies and Democracy Sahir Khan stated that Trudeau’s government had expanded social programs but neglected the country’s economic competitiveness. Most Canadians enjoyed the fruits of anti-poverty initiatives, but such an economic strategy raises fears for the future security of the nation’s economy.
Indigenous Reconciliation
Indigenous reconciliation became a core pillar of Trudeau’s leadership. His government invested heavily in addressing Indigenous issues, including education, housing, and access to clean drinking water. The annual budget for Indigenous programs tripled from 2015 to 2022.
While these remains so, opponents say Trudeau failed to meet his goal of completely phasing out long-term drinking water advisories in Indigenous communities. His administration has been condemned for wasting millions on court battles with First Nations.
For his part, former Assembly of First Nations Chief Perry Bellegarde praises Trudeau for passing significant legislation that enshrines the right of Indigenous peoples.
Climate Change Efforts
Trudeau has been perhaps the most outspoken leader of Canada on climate change. His administration introduced a carbon tax at the federal level and set binding emissions reduction targets. According to climate policy expert Catherine Abreu, Trudeau was a first for unparalleled attention on the climate issue.
However, his record is not without controversy. Trudeau’s government purchased the Trans Mountain oil pipeline, a move seen by environmentalists as contradictory to his climate agenda. Additionally, Canada is still off track to meet its 2030 emission reduction targets.
Canada’s Global Image
In 2015, Trudeau declared to the world that Canada was “back” on the global stage. However, Thomas Juneau, an international relations professor, believes that this promise was more rhetoric than reality. Canada’s defense spending remains below NATO’s target, and critics argue that the country is not adequately prepared to navigate an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
On the bright side, the Trudeau government has been a great ally to Ukraine and has been donating military and humanitarian aid. However, Canada’s foreign policy strategy has been accused of not having a clear vision and resources in place.
Immigration Policies
One of Trudeau’s earliest triumphs was welcoming 25,000 Syrian refugees, making Canada a leader globally in humanitarian action. Over time, his government increased the levels of immigration annually. However, housing and infrastructure concerns forced a recent retreat from immigration targets.
Mireille Paquet from Concordia University observed that Trudeau reshaped how Canadians perceive immigration. While Canada was traditionally viewed as welcoming, recent polls indicate rising anxiety about the impact of immigration on the country’s resources and social fabric.
Legalization of Cannabis
In 2018, Trudeau’s government legalized cannabis for recreational use, making Canada one of the first countries to do so, in a move intended to curb organized crime control over the cannabis market and shield young people from illegal sales.
Paul McCarthy, the president of the Cannabis Council of Canada, says that legalization has been socially successful but that the industry remains economically fragile. The illicit operators continue to control a significant portion of the cannabis market, which casts doubt on the effectiveness of the regulatory framework.
Polarization and Public Sentiment
The Trudeau administration has been characterized by growing political polarization. Policies like the carbon tax and COVID-19 vaccine mandates fueled public unrest, culminating in events like the Freedom Convoy protests. According to political science professor Lisa Young, “Trudeau was a polarizing figure, and his resignation could ease tensions.”.
However, the deep divisions in Canadian society may not disappear with the departure of Trudeau. Young warns that the next Liberal leader could face similar backlash if they continue his policies.
Conclusion
Near-decade in power has brought about some fundamental changes to Canada under Justin Trudeau. His concentration on social programs, Indigenous reconciliation, climate action, and immigration has transformed the country’s landscape. However, critics say his government ignored economic competitiveness, military preparedness, and the increasing polarization of Canadians.
The legacy of Trudeau is likely to impact Canadian politics for decades to come as he steps away from leadership. Whether his policies endure or are rolled back by future governments remains to be seen, but there’s no denying that Trudeau has left an indelible mark on Canada’s modern history.
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