How comedian Mark Critch landed the only year-end interview with Justin Trudeau

Mark Critch, known for his comedic prowess on This Hour Has 22 Minutes, recently landed an accidental exclusive interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The timing of the interview was serendipitous, as it took place just before Chrystia Freeland resigned as finance minister, causing a wave of shock throughout Ottawa. Following Freeland’s resignation, Trudeau’s team cancelled all previously scheduled year-end interviews with major media outlets, leaving Critch as the sole recipient of a sit-down with the Prime Minister.

In a conversation with guest host Susan Ormiston on The Current, Critch shared details about how he secured the coveted interview. He mentioned that he had been persistently requesting an interview with Trudeau, and when the opportunity finally presented itself, he seized it without hesitation. The interview took place in Montreal at a local restaurant, where Critch and Trudeau engaged in a candid and insightful conversation.

During the interview, Critch delved into various topics with Trudeau, including the Prime Minister’s potential resignation and the famous “walk in the snow” that Trudeau’s father, Pierre Trudeau, took before stepping down. Trudeau expressed his commitment to staying in office, citing his desire to prevent the country from heading in a negative direction under the leadership of his political rival, Pierre Poilievre. Despite the political tensions and challenges facing Trudeau, Critch found the Prime Minister to be open and forthcoming during their discussion.

Critch also touched on the current political climate in Canada and the role of political comedy in such turbulent times. He emphasized the importance of finding humor in politics and engaging in constructive dialogue to bridge divides among Canadians. Despite the polarizing nature of politics, Critch believes that comedy can serve as a unifying force and help people see the lighter side of political discourse.

In response to criticism from Pierre Poilievre, who accused shows like 22 Minutes of being propagandists for the PMO, Critch maintained that his show provides a platform for politicians of all stripes to engage in lighthearted banter. He extended an open invitation to Poilievre to appear on the show, emphasizing the importance of creating a relaxed and authentic environment for political figures to connect with the public.

Overall, Critch’s accidental exclusive interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sheds light on the power of comedy to humanize politicians and foster meaningful conversations. By offering a unique and candid perspective on political issues, shows like 22 Minutes play a crucial role in engaging Canadians and promoting a more inclusive political discourse.