What will Canada’s second Trudeau legacy leave behind?
progressive government in Canadian history. But his legacy will ultimately be judged by how much of that progress endures and how much of it is reversed by future governments.
Trudeau’s legacy will also be shaped by his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. While his government’s response to the crisis was not without its flaws, Canada fared relatively well compared to other countries. The Trudeau government implemented various measures to support businesses and individuals affected by the pandemic, including the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
One of the key challenges Trudeau faced during his time as prime minister was the rise of reactionary populism both at home and abroad. Trudeau positioned himself as a champion of diversity, inclusivity, and progressive values in the face of this growing threat. His government’s policies on immigration, multiculturalism, and climate change reflected these values and served as a counterbalance to the rise of right-wing populism.
Trudeau’s legacy will also be defined by his efforts to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. While his government’s record on this issue is mixed, with many critics arguing that more could have been done, Trudeau made significant strides in this area. His government settled numerous land claims, invested in Indigenous communities, and implemented the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
As Trudeau prepares to leave office, he can take pride in the progress his government has made on various fronts. From climate change to social welfare to Indigenous reconciliation, Trudeau leaves behind a legacy of progress and change. However, the true test of his legacy will be how much of this progress endures in the years to come. Only time will tell how history will remember Justin Trudeau and his time as Canada’s 23rd prime minister.