Justin Trudeau faces a summer marked by discontent: WSJ

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Wall Street Journal
4 Aug 2023 16:13
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The Canadian Prime Minister is grappling with low popularity, a string of political setbacks, and the dissolution of his 18-year marriage.

Canadian PM Justin Trudeau speaks during a news conference January 8, 2020, in Ottawa, Canada. (AFP)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's recent divorce announcement, made through separate Instagram posts by him and his spouse, marks a series of setbacks for him.

Despite being in power for eight years, Trudeau's approval ratings have hit an all-time low. Additionally, his government is facing potential scrutiny over how it handled alleged Chinese government interference in the previous election.

Moreover, his administration has been heavily criticized for contributing to inflation and failing to effectively address soaring housing prices. A recent cabinet shuffle aimed at rejuvenating his leadership did little to improve his standing, as per a report by The Wall Street Journal.

According to a recent poll by Ottawa-based Abacus Data, half of Canadians are calling for a new government, while only 19% still support Trudeau. This is a dangerously low level of backing for a leader of a minority government relying on a coalition agreement with another party.

“He’s getting pounded on a regular basis,” said Duane Bratt, a political-science professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta as quoted by WSJ.

"A sinking ship"

Trudeau, who holds the record as the longest-serving current leader among the Group of Seven nations, has expressed his intention to lead the Liberal Party in the upcoming election, although the exact date is not set until 2025.

However, if Trudeau loses the support of the left-wing New Democratic Party, an election might occur earlier. The New Democratic Party has committed to supporting the Liberals until 2025 on the condition of increased spending to enhance medical and dental coverage for low-income Canadians and provide more affordable housing.

Despite inflation in Canada slowing significantly, from a peak of 8.1% last year to below 3% in June, Justin Trudeau's Liberal government continues to face criticism over rising living costs. Canadians still view cost-of-living issues as their major concern. To address the situation, the government initiated one-time payments to assist lower-income citizens in coping with increased grocery expenses. However, this measure hasn't translated into increased popularity with voters.

Trudeau's chief opponent, Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party, has consistently pointed to the Liberal government's pandemic-related stimulus spending and planned increases in carbon taxes as the drivers of higher inflation.

During a recent cabinet reshuffle, Trudeau defended his track record on job growth and emphasized that inflation in Canada has slowed to one of the lowest rates among G7 countries. However, he did not make any changes to his economic team. A prominent Montreal commentator criticized Trudeau's performance on the day of the cabinet shuffle, calling the press conference "one of Trudeau's weakest ever." The commentator described it as lacking substance and failing to provide a positive narrative.

A representative for Trudeau stated that the newly reshuffled cabinet consists of diligent ministers committed to making life more affordable for Canadians. Trudeau himself is eager to lead the Liberal Party in the upcoming election and collaborate with the new cabinet to support those facing financial challenges due to rising costs.

One urgent matter is the housing crisis. During a recent news conference, Trudeau admitted that there is a shortage of housing units to meet the demand, resulting in elevated prices throughout the country.

“I will be blunt: Housing isn’t a primary federal responsibility,” he said, “but it is something that we can and must help with.”

Just two days later, it was reported that Justin Trudeau and his wife of 18 years, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, have decided to end their marriage. The couple announced that they have already finalized a separation agreement and are committed to raising their three children together in a caring and cooperative environment.

Who is Justin Trudeau?

Justin Trudeau, the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, has been a prominent public figure for most of his life. His marriage to Sophie Grégoire Trudeau in 2005 received widespread attention and depicted a happy and affectionate couple. However, the recent announcement of Trudeau's separation has evoked sympathy from Canadians who recognize the pressures that come with being in the political spotlight and its impact on family life.

During his third term as Prime Minister in 1977, Pierre Trudeau faced challenges when he separated from his wife, which resulted in public criticism of his economic policies to combat high inflation. Despite these difficulties, he staged a comeback and regained power after winning a snap election in 1980.

Although grappling with personal and political hurdles, individuals like Alex Wellstead, a former press aide to Justin Trudeau, believe that the Prime Minister remains resolute and devoted to serving the interests of Canadians.