By Qamar Bashir
The handsome, serene, ever-smiling, and dashing Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Justin Trudeau, finally succumbed to the ever-increasing pressure on many accounts on top of its faltering economy, rising inflation and housing and rental costs, sour relations with the USA and India, and on personal account divorce with his wife after 18 years of loving relations. Trudeau’s legacy was shaped by his parents—his father, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, whose leadership inspired his career, left his own legacy having both success and failure.
Justin Trudeau became Canada's 23rd Prime Minister on November 4, 2015, following
the Liberal Party’s victory in the federal election. His second term commenced after the
October 21, 2019, federal election, when the Liberal Party secured a minority
government. On January 6, 2025, Trudeau announced his resignation as Prime Minister
and leader of the Liberal Party, effective upon the selection of a new party leader. Given
that the next federal election was scheduled for October 2025, Trudeau had
approximately nine months remaining in his second term at the time of his resignation
announcement.
During his tenure, Justin Trudeau has achieved notable successes in various areas.
Economically, he oversaw the creation of over 1 million jobs, implemented middle-class
tax cuts, and introduced affordable childcare. He demonstrated environmental leadership
by committing to the Paris Agreement, implementing a national carbon pricing plan, and
investing in clean energy. Socially, he legalized recreational cannabis, championed
gender equality with a gender-balanced cabinet, and advanced Indigenous reconciliation
through investments and improved access to clean water. His pandemic response
included substantial financial aid programs like CERB, and he made strides toward a
national pharmacare program. On the global stage, Trudeau strengthened Canada’s image
as an inclusive, multicultural society, renegotiated NAFTA into the USMCA, and
welcomed tens of thousands of refugees. These accomplishments, despite criticisms in
certain areas, reflect his efforts to promote economic growth, social progress, and
environmental sustainability.
Justin Trudeau’s tenure has faced significant criticisms and failures across various areas.
Ethics controversies, including the SNC-Lavalin scandal, WE Charity scandal, and
violations of conflict-of-interest rules, have damaged his credibility. Despite climate
commitments, his approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline and failure to meet emissions
targets drew ire from environmentalists. Promises of Indigenous reconciliation fell short,
with many communities still lacking clean water. Rising costs of living, skyrocketing
housing prices, and increasing federal debt sparked concerns about economic
management. His pandemic response faced criticism for early vaccine rollout delays and
insufficient safeguards against CERB abuse. On the global stage, strained relations with
China and India highlighted foreign policy challenges. Critics also accuse him of
fostering polarization and focusing on image over substance, undermining public trust in
his leadership.
Relations between Canada and India have significantly deteriorated during Justin
Trudeau’s tenure, marked by mutual mistrust and diplomatic tensions. Trudeau’s 2018
visit to India, intended to strengthen ties, was widely criticized for being poorly managed,
with controversies surrounding the invitation of a convicted terrorist to official events.
More recently, tensions escalated due to Trudeau’s public support for the Indian farmers'
protests, which angered the Indian government, as they viewed it as interference in their
domestic affairs. The situation reached a new low with allegations surrounding the
murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani activist, in Canada. Trudeau
accused India’s intelligence agency, RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), of being
involved in the assassination, citing credible evidence. These accusations and
counteraccusations had plunged diplomatic relations into a deeper crisis, further
hindering progress in trade, investment, and strategic partnerships between the two
nations.
Justin Trudeau’s relationship with Donald Trump was marked by a mix of cooperation
and tension, shaped by their differing ideologies and priorities. They worked together on
the renegotiation of NAFTA, resulting in the USMCA, though the process was
contentious, with Trump imposing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and Trudeau
retaliating. Public spats further strained relations, such as Trump calling Trudeau
“dishonest” after the 2018 G7 summit and Trudeau being caught mocking Trump at a
NATO event in 2019. Policy differences were evident, with Trudeau advocating for
climate action and immigration openness, in stark contrast to Trump’s policies. Despite
these challenges, Trudeau maintained diplomatic ties, recognizing the importance of the
U.S.-Canada partnership. Their cooperation extended to border security, defense, and
handling the Huawei-Meng Wanzhou case, though it led to significant backlash from
China. Trudeau’s approach reflected a pragmatic effort to navigate a turbulent U.S.-
Canada relationship during Trump’s presidency.
During Justin Trudeau’s tenure, relations between Pakistan and Canada remained
relatively low-profile, focusing on areas like trade, immigration, and international
cooperation. Canada continued to be a key destination for Pakistani immigrants, students,
and skilled workers, with Pakistan ranking among the top sources of immigration to
Canada. However, bilateral trade remained modest, with limited efforts to significantly
enhance economic ties. Trudeau’s government emphasized issues like human rights and
women’s empowerment, aligning with Canada’s broader foreign policy agenda, but these
did not translate into substantial bilateral initiatives with Pakistan. The two countries
occasionally engaged on multilateral platforms like the United Nations, but no major
breakthroughs or agreements marked their relationship. Relations were cordial but lacked
significant strategic or economic deepening, reflecting a status quo dynamic during
Trudeau’s period.
Justin Trudeau has often emphasized the importance of his family, portraying himself as
a devoted husband and father. Married to Sophie Grégoire Trudeau in 2005, the couple
frequently appeared together at public events, showcasing a modern and relatable family
image. However, in August 2023, they announced their separation after 18 years of
marriage, surprising many Canadians. Despite this, they reaffirmed their commitment to
co-parenting their three children and maintaining a close family bond.
Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party marks a
significant shift in Canada’s political landscape. Given the internal pressures and
declining public support that led to his departure, a swift return to power appears
unlikely. The Liberal Party is now focused on selecting a new leader to rejuvenate its
prospects ahead of the upcoming general election. Trudeau’s future political trajectory
will depend on his ability to rebuild public trust, address past controversies, and adapt to
the evolving priorities of Canadian voters. While his political experience and previous
leadership could position him for a future role, any potential comeback would require
substantial effort to overcome the challenges that precipitated his resignation.
