Justin Trudeau’s exit as Canada’s prime minister marks the end of a controversial era defined by divisive policies. As Mark Carney’s Liberal Party surges in polls for the April 28, 2025, election, critics warn his leadership could deepen Canada’s economic and social challenges.
Trudeau’s Legacy: A Polarizing Tenure
Justin Trudeau’s leadership, spanning nearly a decade, ended in January 2025 amid plummeting approval ratings and a caucus revolt Reuters. His tenure was marked by stringent pandemic measures, including mandatory vaccination policies and the invocation of the Emergencies Act to freeze bank accounts of Freedom Convoy protesters in 2022, actions critics labeled authoritarian Liberal Party. Trudeau’s government also faced criticism for comparing protest donors to “terrorists,” a move that alienated many Canadians.
Economically, Trudeau’s policies contributed to inflation and a housing crisis, exacerbated by high immigration levels. Between 2015 and 2024, Canada’s Human Development Index ranking dropped from 9th to 18th, and real GDP per capita growth lagged behind Italy’s iPolitics. Open immigration policies, aiming for 500,000 newcomers annually by 2025, strained social services and drove up housing costs, leaving many Canadians frustrated.
Mark Carney: A New Face or Trudeau 2.0?
Mark Carney, elected Liberal Party leader on March 9, 2025, with 86% of the vote, is poised to become Canada’s next prime minister Reuters. A former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, Carney has positioned himself as a centrist, promising to address U.S. tariffs and economic woes. However, his policy alignments raise concerns about continuity with Trudeau’s agenda. Carney’s appointment of Mark Wiseman, co-founder of the Century Initiative, to his Canada-U.S. council suggests sustained high immigration levels, despite his public calls for caps iPolitics.
During the pandemic, Carney served as an informal adviser to Trudeau, endorsing lockdowns and mandatory vaccinations. In a 2022 opinion piece, he labeled the Freedom Convoy protests as “sedition,” advocating for strict enforcement and financial crackdowns, raising fears of authoritarian tendencies The Globe and Mail.
Economic and Globalist Policies
Carney’s economic vision aligns with globalist frameworks, particularly the World Economic Forum’s climate agenda. A vocal advocate for carbon pricing and sustainable finance, he has argued that capitalism must integrate climate consciousness, potentially burdening Canada’s energy and industrial sectors with costly regulations World Economic Forum. His support for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and a cashless society, as outlined in his 2021 book *Value(s)*, has sparked concerns about reduced economic freedom and increased state control The Guardian.
Carney’s approach to U.S. tariffs, imposed by President Donald Trump, emphasizes retaliatory tariffs, which could escalate tensions with Canada’s largest trading partner, responsible for 75% of its exports Reuters. Critics argue that his globalist ties and aggressive stance may hinder effective negotiations, risking further economic strain.
Why the Liberal Surge?
Polls show Carney’s Liberals leading or tied with Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives, a stark reversal from early 2025 when the Liberals trailed by 20 points Reuters. Trump’s tariffs and annexation rhetoric have galvanized Canadian nationalism, boosting Liberal support. However, some argue Carney’s polished image masks policies that could exacerbate inflation, housing shortages, and sovereignty concerns, particularly if he pursues EU-aligned trade diversification or CBDCs X Search.
An Interesting Fact About Canada
Canada boasts the world’s longest coastline, stretching over 243,042 kilometers across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. This vast shoreline shapes its maritime heritage and supports unique ecosystems.
A Taste of Canada: Poutine Recipe
Poutine, a beloved Canadian dish from Quebec, combines fries, cheese curds, and gravy for a comforting treat. Here’s a recipe for classic poutine:
- Ingredients: 4 russet potatoes, 2 cups cheese curds, 4 cups gravy, vegetable oil, salt.
- Instructions: Cut potatoes into fries, fry at 350°F until crispy, and season with salt. Top with cheese curds and hot gravy to melt. Serve immediately.