According to the weather forecast, there is going to be snow in Ottawa in the next week and it is time for Justin Trudeau to take a long walk in it.
It’s been coming for a while. After almost eight years as Prime Minister of Canada, the shine has worn off. It’s been a pretty good run. Not every Prime Minister has been in office for that long. But it is time for Justin Trudeau to exit stage left.
Two years ago, who would have believed that Pierre Poilievre would be as popular a federal leader, and perhaps even more so than Justin Trudeau? And who would have believed consistent polling across Canada that says if an election were held today, the Conservatives would win a solid majority government? Yet, there it is.
Certainly, if they can’t manage to force an election earlier, Conservatives would love to have Justin Trudeau remain as Liberal leader when it is required in 2025. I wonder though whether the Liberal establishment would. They are pretty good at seeing the writing on the wall.
Polls across Canada are showing that the federal Liberals are in freefall. At most, they have a little more than a year and a half to reverse that, and while anything in politics is possible, history would show that is a very hard row to hoe, especially with the current leadership.
One of the latest national polls, this one by Abacus, contains some pretty sobering information. 23% of Canadians believe that Canada is headed in the right direction. 61% think it is off on the wrong track. 84% of Canadians want a change in government. Of these, 43% would vote for the Conservatives, 18% for the Liberals and 9% for the NDP and 30% don’t know how they would vote. According to the Abacas poll, Conservatives lead the Liberals by 16 points and perhaps more importantly, they are ahead in every age group.
Clearly, Justin Trudeau is past his best-before date as Prime Minister. Canada, in my view, is no better off than it was before he took office. Of course, some good things have been accomplished during this time, and of course, some of the issues, such as the COVID-19 pandemic have been beyond his control. But things are really shaky now.
Our national debt has never been higher and, as one economist has said, is coming close to “exploding”. Whether our country is more divided now than it has been in the past is perhaps debatable, but certainly, this Prime Minister has done nothing to promote unity.
As for the critical issue of climate change, what identifiable progress has actually been made? Much has been said about the carbon tax and carbon reduction, but if it is so effective, why is the Prime Minister playing politics with it by letting some parts of Canada off the hook, but not others?
Then there is the matter of our position on the international stage, a position that is, in my view, directly related to our economic and trade opportunities and our ability to have a meaningful influence on crucial global affairs. Sadly, I am one of those who believe that Justin Trudeau has lost the respect of many world leaders and that consequently, Canada’s voice has become irrelevant under his watch.
As an example, Justin Trudeau’s leadership related to the Gaza Strip Hamas government’s terrorist attack on Israel, unlike many other national leaders, has been wishy-washy at best. Sometimes you just can’t have it both ways. Yes, he has condemned the terrorist attack on Israel that started this war, but he has also lectured Israel, saying their actions are hurting peace prospects. He must know, as most leaders do, that there can be no peace there as long as the mantra of Hamas is to kill every living Jew in the Middle East, and beyond.
In contrast to Trudeau’s statements on the Israeli/Hamas war, Pierre Poilievre, Leader of Canada’s Official Opposition said this: “Hamas is a terrorist death cult determined to maximize the death and suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis in violation of international law by using human shields and hospitals to shelter its terrorists.” Not so wishy-washy there.
Trudeau’s fence sitting prompted this direct response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “It is not Israel that is deliberately attacking civilians, but Hamas that beheaded, burned and massacred civilians in the worst hours since the holocaust”. And there you have it, yet another country not too happy with Canada.
It must be pretty clear by now that Justin Trudeau has lost the support of the majority of Canadians. It is time for him to go. If he insists on staying as Prime Minister for much longer, the next election will not be a horse race. The Conservatives will win hand down. Horse races in my view are always better for democracy. It is better for people to make choices based on who they want to win, rather than who they want to lose.
If the Liberals are to have a new leader and time to make a mark of their own before the next election, that leadership race needs to take place relatively soon. I am sure the Liberal elite know it and Justin Trudeau must know it as well.
New leaders can bring fresh ideas forward and voters can decide which are the most appropriate for Canada. As well, the winner will know that they got there on merit and not simply because the other guy wasn’t liked.
Hugh Mackenzie
Hugh Mackenzie has held elected office as a trustee on the Muskoka Board of Education, a Huntsville councillor, a District councillor, and mayor of Huntsville. He has also served as chairman of the District of Muskoka and as chief of staff to former premier of Ontario, Frank Miller.
Hugh has also served on a number of provincial, federal and local boards, including chair of the Ontario Health Disciplines Board, vice-chair of the Ontario Family Health Network, vice-chair of the Ontario Election Finance Commission, and board member of Roy Thomson Hall, the National Theatre School of Canada, and the Anglican Church of Canada. Locally, he has served as president of the Huntsville Rotary Club, chair of Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, chair of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, president of Huntsville Festival of the Arts, and board member of Community Living Huntsville.
In business, Hugh Mackenzie has a background in radio and newspaper publishing. He was also a founding partner and CEO of Enterprise Canada, a national public affairs and strategic communications firm established in 1986.
Currently, Hugh is president of C3 Digital Media Inc., the parent company of Doppler Online, and he enjoys writing commentary for Huntsville Doppler.
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Greg Reuvekamp says
Last week the polling aggregator site 338 Canada was projecting a 79 seat Liberal victory (from 158 existing seats), today they are projecting 71 seats. The pace of this collapse will hopefully quicken, so that by Christmas the Trudeau government could be looking like the last Wynne government, or worse. I personally hope that Trudeau is narcissistic enough to stay, so that he can wear disgraceful loss, and leave no doubt that it was his incompetence and failure that brought it about. My only other question is who will be the “lucky” person that the Liberals parachute into this riding for the campaign? The last one spent maybe an hour here before driving back to Toronto, never to be seen again, Lol.
Tom Spivak says
We all need to be saved from people that have not studied any amount of history relating to that region.
Israel has violated it’s pre-1967 border agreements and violated virtually all the UN resolutions relating to the area.
This has fostered the growth of the terrorist group Hamas and no peace can ever be found as long as the west continues to supply weapons instead of wisdom.
The State of Israel did not exist prior to 1948, Hamas is not the voice of the entire population of Palestine, and way too many people get their history lessons from media.
I’m certainly not taking sides but everyone needs to step back and study this a bit before making judgement and I think that’s what PM Trudeau is doing.
As of late I having been encounting a growing number of people that criticize the PM for actions as of late but happily spent the relief checks they were issued during COVID.
Seems nowadays you’re damned if you do and damned if you don’t.
Anna-Lise Kear says
So what have is there on offer? Pollivier? No thanks
Anna-Lise Kear says
Mr. Mackenzie; Well, there it is “the Liberal elites”. I wondered how long it would be before the rhetoric of the elites would make its way onto the page. I suggest an antedote.
Having no definition of “the elites” (who should be scorned and hated by all, it would seem), but wink wink “we all know who they are, don’t we?” (to be read with sarcasm).
1] Pierre Poilievre is elite
2] if elite means, those with more money.
Then vote for a party that will make the tax system more balanced to help those without.
3] if elite means, those with more education.
Then never stop learning.
4] if elite means, those with more power.
Run for political power at whatever level. BUT, be prepared to Learn.
5] if you are among the elite in any of these categories, Help someone less fortunate!
Enough of “the elite populism”.
I am not convinced PP would be credible on the world stage.
Dr. Don Keedic says
If you cheer against your Prime Minister here in Canada to fail, look less than diplomatic or just hope for their political or spiritual demise, you’re a sh*tty Canadian.
I’m no fan of Stephen Harper but I never rooted for him to fail on the world stage either.
DR. D
Bill Beatty says
Two possible future employs for Justin , both involving Drama….Teaching in Quebec or Liberal Leader in La Belle Province. Go for it !
David Harrison says
Dr. D.,
JT doesn’t need anyone to cheer against him, he is quite self-sufficient in that regard.
I emigrated to Canada in 1973 and immediately had immense Canadian pride. I was a Canadian! Sadly, that pride has pretty much evaporated, or perhaps I should say, ‘confiscated’.
The Ontario license plate used to read, “KEEP IT BEAUTIFUL”. That sentiment could have applied to the whole nation. Sadly, they did away with it.
Joanne Tanaka says
It would be helpful to us if you would reveal what specific policies and programs the Conservatives are presenting as alternatives to the current leadership. So far all I know is some vague intention about cities building more housing, cutting the CBC out, and nothing to help us make the energy transition happen. Mr Polievre seems only intent on blaming Justin Trudeau for all the ills of the world, with no positive solutions presented by himself. Is it a secret agenda? Difficult to feel confidence in someone who is rumoured to be a libertarian which would strip down all government services and expenditures to the public, but no doubt continue to funnel taxpayers money to business with the mistaken belief that charitable community members could adequately clothe, house and feed the rest of us. Minimum wage will not do it.
Most significantly what does Pierre Polievre say about advancing down the road to Truth and Reconciliation and UNDRIP? I guess that is the Conservative idea of freedom.Free to destroy nature and squeeze dry all the resources in the name of corporate profit. You may think this is wild imaginings but the Conservatives only present themselves as Not Trudeau, now without wearing spectacles. Pierre Polievre has only had one real life job delivering newspapers as a boy, not a real choice from the current PM ( now experienced and tested in governance) who at least once had a grownup job as a teacher. If the Liberals chose a new leader for the next election, they would rob the Conservatives of their only strategy as Not Justin.
Margaret Brown says
Great article Hugh! It’s definitely time for Trudeau to go. And any one Liberal should know that. They need a new leader before the party self destructs .
Jane Hudel says
The same question I asked over 8 years ago..”Why was Justin ever chosen as the Liberal leader?”
Hugh Holland says
Hugh, I have voted conservative most of my life, but I just can’t do it now. They and their leader have their heads in the sand. They are acting as if the economy is the be-all and end-all. From now on, the economy will flourish only if we do the right things for the global climate, not the other way around. What good is it to have a little more money in your pocket, if others will have less and no-one can afford fire, flood, and wind insurance? Poilievre, supported by the Cons in the richest provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan (GDP per capita of $ 101,816 and $97,089) went nuts when the Liberals offered a bit of temporary tax relief to the poorest province of Nova Scotia (GDP per cap of $53,034). Nova Scotia is a resource poor province and is trapped with a global price on fuel oil that makes their heating cost $3,000 this winter, vs $1900 in Saskatchewan and Alberta. That should not be politicized. It is just the right thing to do in the Canadian family. That 3 years of relief gives time to implement the Atlantic Loop project to bring hydro power from Labrador to Nova Scotia so they can install the new cold climate heat pumps that will cut their heating costs to $374. Scott Moe says, “Heat pumps don’t work in Saskatchewan.” He is just flat wrong. Obviously, he and Poilievre haven’t done the math. That is not the kind of leadership that Canada needs at this crucial moment.
Why should we buy a pig in a poke from Poilievre who has no declared climate policies other than to “axe” the refundable carbon tax that is endorsed by the world’s leading economists and is in place in 54 enlightened countries. We must beware of people like Poilievre who claim to have simple solutions to very complex problems. He has no magic wand. He has only the same portfolio of solutions available as the Liberals, but without the motivation of the carbon tax.
Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada says, “There is no Canadian government that is ever going to be able to finance the transition to a green economy alone. Capital markets need consistency and transparency.” What message does it send to investors and international companies if Canada was to “axe” the most universally accepted tool to help shift both consumers and producers to clean energy, at the very time when the world is just starting up the steepest part of the learning curve?
Brian Howard says
Yes,perhaps Justin should step aside and allow say Mark Carney to step into the breach.Justin has had a long run and voters tire of leaders of any Party who they feel have been around for a long time.Don’t feel Pierre Polievre would fare any better.His negative approach and lack of real policy is not attractive.Surely it is time for an end to the partisan political system where Liberals,Coservative etc members etc spar with each other to produce a lot of negativity,and importantly brighter members of all parties are forced to toe the Party line and unable to express or vote for measures that could be helpful for voters as a whole.Although the Northwest Territories is a minor entity in Canada,perhaps its Consensus system of Government or some form of it might serve our great country better.
Thomas R Spivak says
You are absolutely correct Dr. Don Keedic ,
Its a poor Canadian that wishes ill on the government, our duty as Canadians is to support government not knock it down.
All those that are cheering on the conservatives in Ontario seem to have little or no conscience that they voted in Doug Ford and where are we now?
I only hope that as long as he is our provincial leader he will smarten up and be a true guide for this province and not just a pawn for industry and developer buddies.
Hugh Mackenzie says
Mr. Spivak: In agreeing with the comment from Don Keedic, you say it’s a poor Canadian that wishes ill on the government. In the same comment, you have no trouble trashing the Premier of Ontario. So, it is a poor Canadian that believes it is time for Justin Trudeau to step down but it is fine to “wish ill” on Premier Ford? Seems like a double standard to me.
In fact, I believe holding governments and politicians accountable and expressing opinions when one believes they are on the wrong track, is a basic democratic right and responsibility. When we can no longer do that we no longer have a democracy.
Erin Jones says
Great comment, Hugh. Holding those in elected office accountable is one of the features of democracy denied to the populace in tyrannical regimes. We should also hold accountable the un-elected appointed–along with the self-appointed power seekers. For those who decry “populism” I would inform them that populism is merely seeking to enforce politicians responsibility for listening to the voice of the people they claim to represent. Whatever happened to politicians who used the expression, “The people have spoken.”?
Treading the ground of “we should support the government in whatever decisions they make” is the surest path to loss of our right to express our displeasure or even approval.
Greg Reuvekamp says
Of all the canards and old stand bys, Liberals arrogant claim that one isn’t “truly Canadian” if they don’t support them is my favourite. Well OK Team Grit, how’s about we meet halfway? You don’t go and present a ridiculous, blackface wearing nepo baby fool as your leader, and I’ll consider voting for them. P.S. No deal if it’s Freeland, Lol. Nope… Homie don’t play that
Allen Markle says
I’m sure the most recent polls are trending accurately, just as most recent (30 years or so) polls have when notifying us we should expect a majority government. Something to look forward to since they’ve all performed so well.
I never was a Trudeau fan, but have to allow he had a tough row. PC leader Poilievre doesn’t seem sure of what new policy will be. Oh! he’s anti-carbon tax, but who isn’t? It’s a tax and Lord knows we need more of them! But glasses or not. Suit or not. Smile or not . He has nothing concrete to announced.
Our pending Conservative ‘would/will’ be PM. and as has been mentioned; is ‘a pig in a poke’: of unproven ability; untested; can promise anything for now, because he doesn’t have to deliver. That’s true of all those who want to be boss, before they become boss. Poilievre displays as totally anti-Trudeau and wants us to accept that as a platform. But if elected, what is his plan to deal with some of our Canadian problems?
Will he call up Xi Jinping (China) and explain to him that he, Pierre Poilievre is in charge now, so “Let’s just forget those 2 Michaels, Meng Wanzhou, election interference and such. Get yourself back to buying our canola and stuff again. We good?” Don’t think it’s that easy; where is the Conservative plan? Not yet outlined.
Maybe a hot line to Modi (India). explaining his being Canada’s new head honcho. “Can we just forget about that irksome Canadian agitator? The one somebody over there might have sent a hitman to take out; over here. Frowned upon sir and inconvenient.” Or is there a different tact? We wonder.
Concerning the vast debt we have from Covid? Maybe our new man can get in touch with the lenders and tell them that “Inasmuch as I, Pierre Poilievre had nothing to do with borrowing that money, maybe we can just overlook that?” No actual plan seems ready or in the works, but maybe he doesn’t want to give anything away!
Neither party should be looking to the NDP for support after the way Jagmeet Singh slagged everybody right up to Santa Claus at the recent BC conference.
There was the comment concerning our Premier, by Thomas Spivak: might I paraphrase “hope….he will smarten up, be a true guide……and not just an industry and developer pawn.’ By what stretch can that be construed as wishing anyone ‘ill’? Should it come about, it would sure be an improvement, at least in my opinion.
In the course of the next couple of years, we may be appraised of some proposed Conservative solutions to our problems. Couldn’t hurt. But no solution needs to be offered as long as the platform is just anti-Justin.
Ain’t politics a hoot? And a worry.
Wes Philips says
Well-said Mr. Allen Markle. I don’t also forget that Pierre Poilievre ( Pooh Pooh ) supported the truckers’
Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa, the Canada- US borders in Windsor and Coutts Alberta which caused havoc to the citizens and the economies of both countries.
Pierre Poilievre is also an anti-vaxer whose anti Covid vaxine he introduced recently was defeated in parliament.
If elected as PM, he probably would call up the former US President ( who might be the next President ???)
for his blessings as he and his Republicans supported the Freedom Convoy protests.
Dave Wilkin says
Good piece Hugh. It is clear to the vast majority of Canadians that this government has messed up far too many things, and they have lost confidence in Trudeau and most of his cabinet.
I watched the fiscal update with some interest. It was pretty much as expected. It did nothing to address the immediate top issues facing Canadians – housing and affordability. Ditto for the long term structural issues, including weak productivity growth, laging business investment and unsustainable rising debt. They had 8 years to address them, but instead made them worse. Now they’re running out of time and fiscal room to do what they did for the last 8 years – big spending.
I don’t see NDP leader Singh backing up his tough talk and pulling the plug either. Their support is too low & flat. Liberals will continue to tank in the polls and Trudeau will have no option but to eventually step aside. Then we’ll see who they choose to try to turn things around.
Joanne Tanaka says
If/When Pierre Polievre becomes PM I guess that we will be treated to years of ” Blame Trudeau Liberals ”
for Conservative program and service cuts, general misery and increasing social and climate chaos. He will never take responsibility for being in charge. It would be enlightening if he would define what income and asset level he uses to define the “middle class working person” he talks about. ( and how many more jobs at minimum wage, he thinks people should have to make his economic fantasy work)
Allen Markle says
There seems to be very little that the PCs offer as planks in a platform presented to the voting public. Maybe there is a plan and maybe not. There sure seems to be a shortage of planks. We can all see problems in the country that need to be dealt with. But there must be more than ‘axe the tax’ and anti Trudeau rhetoric that causes people to change political parties.
It’s been mentioned that the populace becomes weary with the status quo. That’s worrisome inasmuch as if the party is doing decent work, what’s to weary of. So that just seems to be a frivolous statement.
That being said, what else is in the PC offer? I can think of a few things needing attention. Look at the comment submitted by Dave Wilkin and I can agree with his listing of “housing and affordability”, “weak productivity growth”, “lagging business investment”, “rising debt”, all being problems in need of attention. But where is any proffered PC solution for any of these problems? Or are all the solutions closely guarded. For fear they might be hijacked by the Liberals and acted upon.
There are comments here that seem to indicate that the problems we now suffer are because of Liberal policy. Maybe. There is the inference that all this will be made better with a change in government. Really? Been around too long to know that and so have some of the people posting comments here on Doppler.
If these PC adherents are so sure there is a platform, maybe they could let the rest of us know what it is.
Erin Jones says
There’s an obvious reason why the PCs are reluctant to give specifics until the writ is dropped for the next election. The Liberals (whose tax-and-spend ideology stands in contradiction to practical and money-saving policies) will merely announce that THEY are going to put PC policies in place–and then, do the exact opposite, when they are elected. We’ve seen this game before but the compliant mainstream media, knowing what side their bread is buttered on, will declare it as wonderful, forming a cheering section for the Liberals. And the Liberals will continue to give the compliant media a handout to buy their continued support. See how that works?
Elliott Goring says
What hogwash. He will run as long as his opposition is the MAGA wannabe clown PP. He might step down if the CPC could ever stop rage farming long enough to focus on getting a creditable leader. cc Scott Atchison