By Jack Keen
On 4th November 2015, Justin Trudeau became the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada following a landslide majority. 10 years later, he announced his intention to resign as Prime Minister and the Leader of the Liberal Party. This comes following his falling popularity among Canadians and rising disillusionment within his party. As the Trudeau Era ends, he leaves behind a significant legacy.
Trudeau’s Parliament has made improvements to and has expanded Canadian healthcare. In 2023, the federal government announced an investment of $196.1 billion over 10 years to modernise healthcare services. In 2022, The Canadian Dental Care Plan was passed to provide for uninsured Canadians, including low-income and senior citizens. So far, the policy has benefited 250,000 citizens. Further legislation, the 2024 Pharmacare Act established a universal drug plan, which lowered drug costs and has changed the lives of Canadians by ensuring low-income individuals get essential medication.
A defining moment of the Trudeau era was COVID-19. Canada’s response was relatively early: quarantine orders were instituted, international travel was restricted, and a nationwide vaccine was rolled out. The government also took steps to protect the economy: parliament introduced The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which provided $2,000 monthly to people who lost income in the pandemic; The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) also helped small businesses retain employees by covering part of wages. Additionally, Trudeau’s administration distributed money to small businesses and specific industries like tourism and hospitality in the form of loans or grants. After the pandemic, a financial stimulus package was introduced to aid economic rebuilding. The investment focused on rebuilding hard-hit sectors and developing emerging fields like climate-friendly technology. Trudeau’s COVID-economics has had mixed reviews as being “too little or too much”.
Trudeau's social policy is widely recognised as progressive and liberal. He has consistently advocated for feminist policies and strongly upheld abortion rights. In 2016, his administration legalise medically assisted dying and, in 2018, the recreational use of cannabis. Trudeau’s government also banned conversion therapy; a practice described as ‘barbaric’ by LGBTQIA+ advocacy groups.
Trudeau introduced reforms to benefit parents. His government launched a subsidy that capped daycare at $10, lowering the average cost for parents from $150. The reform has made childcare more affordable and available for working parents, creating more disposable income and expanding work flexibility. To ensure that daycare providers were not affected, the government paid the difference between $10 and the price. The 2024 Childcare Act made economic and social impacts by freeing higher participation for women in Canada's workforce, helping push towards greater economic gender equality.
Trudeau also extended parental work leave. Parents could choose between 12 months at 55% pay or 18 months at 33%. The policy covers both biological and adoptive parents, with the flexibility to split time between both parents. The reform has ensured job security for expecting parents and promoted gender equality in caregiving, by encouraging fathers to take on greater parenting roles. However, the policy has been criticised. The 33% pay rate for 18 months is seen as financially inaccessible for low-income families. Small businesses have also criticised that they cannot afford the long employee absences.
During his premiership, Trudeau consistently advocated for sustainable business practices and the protection of natural landscapes. The outgoing Prime Minister has introduced many environmentalist policies. He declared a ban on producing/importing single-use plastics, granted protection to vulnerable areas such as the Alberta Mountains, and committed his parliament to reducing 30% of national greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050. In 2019, Trudeau announced a 10-year, “2 billion trees programme”; however, due to poor planning, this is not on track and is perceived as a slogan than actual policy.
"Justin Trudeau came to power with a reputation for honesty, hope, and optimism. He leaves a legacy marked by both successes and failures."
His leadership has not been without criticism. Over the years, his popularity has declined due to many factors. The 2019 SNC-Lavalin affair, in which Trudeau was accused of pressuring the Attorney General to intervene in the company’s corruption and bribery case, has damaged his spotless reputation for transparency. Furthermore, whilst his COVID-19 policy was initially very popular, the Canadian population gradually grew frustrated with restrictions. Trudeau was criticised as overly cautious. As Trudeau’s tenure continued, the progressive members of the Liberal Party have become increasingly disillusioned with Trudeau’s move towards some centrist policies. Moreover, as dissatisfaction with Liberals grew, the conservative opposition party gained support. The populist policies of conservative party leader Pierre Poilievre have contributed to the party’s significant gain in popularity. The largest factor in Trudeau’s approval drop has been recent economic troubles. In 2022, Canada began to face issues of inflation and a housing crisis. Many Canadians feel as if Trudeau has not done enough to combat the affordability of housing, cost of living, and rising national debt.
Now, just weeks before Trudeau’s departure, Canada’s future seems uncertain. Whilst its democracy and record of human rights are among the strongest in the world, it faces external challenges from China and, surprisingly, the USA. The US President's threats to make Canada the 51st state and impose tariffs will create future diplomacy and sovereignty challenges.
Justin Trudeau came to power with a reputation for honesty, hope, and optimism. He leaves a legacy marked by both successes and failures. His premiership has faced challenges and scandals but has also seen major social, economic, and environmental reform. Trudeau’s administration will likely be judged by the long-term impact of his policies and his ability to navigate the complexities of governance. Nevertheless, Trudeau’s progressive stances have set a benchmark for leaders globally.
Image: Flickr
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