After Trudeau: A decade of scandals, coercive progressivism, and lost opportunities leaves Canada divided
As Justin Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister finally comes to an end, it’s worth reflecting on his tarnished legacy. For many, the past decade will be remembered as “the lost years” – a time of missed opportunities, deepening divisions, and unresolved challenges that have left Canada worse off.
Under Trudeau’s leadership, Canada’s national debt has reached unprecedented levels. While pandemic spending was necessary, much of it was poorly directed, creating inefficiencies and leaving future generations saddled with the fallout. Meanwhile, Canadians are struggling with an affordability crisis. Skyrocketing housing prices, persistent inflation, and stagnant wages have left families stretched thin. Despite countless promises to make life more affordable, Trudeau’s government has largely offered short-term fixes that failed to address systemic issues.
National unity has also taken a significant hit during Trudeau’s time in office. His policies on carbon taxes and energy development have alienated Western Canada, particularly Alberta and Saskatchewan, where frustration has boiled over into talk of separation. This sense of alienation has been exacerbated by Trudeau’s perceived favouritism toward Quebec, with policies and funding decisions that often seem skewed to Quebec’s advantage, further deepening divisions across the country.
 The Trudeau era is one of missed opportunities and division. |
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Trudeau’s time in office has also been plagued by scandal. From the SNC-Lavalin affair to the WE Charity controversy to the use of the Emergencies Act, Trudeau’s repeated breaches of ethics laws have eroded trust in his leadership. These scandals highlight a troubling pattern of prioritizing political connections over integrity, tarnishing Canada’s reputation for good governance both at home and abroad. Even more concerning is Trudeau’s apparent inability to accept accountability for these missteps, often deflecting blame or offering vague explanations that fall short of genuine transparency.
Adding to this is his embrace of wokeism, which many Canadians see as performative and divisive. Trudeau’s focus on symbolic gestures – whether kneeling for cameras, wearing costumes during international visits, or issuing apologies that often feel hollow – has alienated a large population segment. These actions seem more about cultivating his image as a so-called “progressive” leader than enacting real change. His heavy-handed approach to social issues, often described as “coercive progressivism,” has polarized Canadians, alienating moderates and conservatives while failing to deliver meaningful results for those he claims to champion.
Trudeau’s lack of leadership qualities has been glaring in moments of national and international importance. Rather than uniting the country, his approach has often exacerbated divisions, creating an “us versus them” mentality. His tendency to favour style over substance – delivering carefully crafted soundbites instead of actionable plans – has left Canada ill-prepared to tackle the structural challenges it faces.
Energy policy has been another sore point. Trudeau’s government purchased the Trans Mountain pipeline in an attempt to placate Western Canada, but it also introduced Bill C-69 – the so-called “no more pipelines” law – which effectively stifled energy development. This balancing act has satisfied no one, leaving the energy sector in limbo while environmental goals remain unmet. The carbon tax, touted as a cornerstone of climate action, has disproportionately impacted rural and low-income Canadians while delivering minimal reductions in emissions. This mismanagement has left Canada without a coherent energy strategy, undermining both economic growth and climate commitments.
On the international stage, Trudeau’s leadership has failed to inspire confidence. His government’s failure to secure a seat on the UN Security Council was not just a symbolic blow but a reflection of Canada’s diminished standing in global affairs. Relations with key countries like China and India have deteriorated, with Trudeau’s infamous trip to India – complete with costume mishaps – turning into a global embarrassment. While Canada’s rhetoric on climate change and human rights remains lofty, its actions often fall short, leaving the country sidelined on critical global issues.
Despite opportunities to position Canada as a global leader in innovation, energy transition, and reconciliation, Trudeau’s government has largely focused on superficial policies. Health care reform, meaningful action on Indigenous reconciliation, and economic diversification have been neglected in favour of photo ops and performative politics. Canada’s abundant natural resources could have been harnessed to drive a thoughtful, sustainable energy transition while bolstering its economy. Instead, those opportunities have been squandered.
As Trudeau’s time in office winds down, Canadians are left to consider the impact of the past lost decade. What could have been a period of growth, unity, and meaningful progress has instead been marked by division, stagnation, and lost potential. The next government faces a critical challenge: addressing the structural issues that have gone unresolved for far too long and steering Canada toward a future defined by real progress rather than empty promises.
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