Trudeau leaves office with a very divided and divisive legacy. Pictured: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Photo Credit: Justin Trudeau/X.
As Justin Trudeau closed the door of the Prime Minister’s Office for the final time this weekend after nearly a decade as Prime Minister, his legacy, much like his time in office, is divisive. While his tenure saw major reform to Canada’s social programs and a shift in Canada’s global standing, it was also marred by economic struggles, political missteps, and declining public confidence.
A recent Angus Reid poll found 63 per cent agree he tackled the country’s biggest challenges, only 30 per cent feel he made meaningful progress. Meanwhile, 33 per cent believe he tried but failed, and 22 per cent think he actively made things worse.
Trudeau’s time in office is marked by significant advancements in social policy and inclusivity. His government introduced $10-a-day childcare agreements, expanded dental care, and implemented the Canada Child Benefit. These programs provided financial relief to families and made essential services more accessible to Canadians, ensuring greater economic stability for low- and middle-income households.
His government also prioritized reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, investing in clean drinking water projects for Indigenous communities and lifting 147 long-term drinking water advisories. While in office, Trudeau implemented policies aimed at strengthening Indigenous self-governance, including signing historic agreements recognizing Aboriginal land titles. While in office, Canada appointed the first Indigenous Governor General, Mary Simon, marking a milestone in representation at the highest levels of government.
Climate action was another focal point, with policies like carbon pricing and emissions reduction targets. While his government’s environmental policies received praise from environmentalist, they also fueled political backlash, particularly in resource-heavy provinces and rural Canadians.
Canada’s national debt ballooned under Trudeau, with significant government spending outpacing economic growth. His government failed to implement policies that would improve productivity and competitiveness. Business leaders voiced concerns that high corporate taxes, changes to capital gains and increased regulatory burdens made Canada a less attractive place for investment.
Trudeau’s economic record is another area where his government struggled. While the government injected billions into social programs and pandemic relief, this unchecked spending contributed to inflation and economic stagnation. Housing affordability worsened, and the federal carbon tax became a growing source of frustration for a majority of Canadians.
Scandals, including the SNC-Lavalin affair and the WE Charity controversy, further eroded public trust. Despite campaign promises of transparency, Trudeau faced criticism for consolidating power within the Prime Minister’s Office, a hallmark of the Harper era that he had pledged to reform. Ethical breaches and controversies over conflicts of interest led to multiple investigations, raising questions about accountability within his government.
Trudeau’s relationship with the provinces was a rocky one at times as well. He heavily relied on the use of federal spending power to influence provincial policies. Though his government struck bilateral agreements with provinces on health care, childcare, and pharmacare, often attaching conditions to funding. This approach was praised by some as a way to advance national priorities, while others viewed it as federal overreach.
His government also struggled with Western alienation, as provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan felt increasingly disconnected from Ottawa’s policy agenda. The implementation of the carbon tax and perceived hostility toward the energy sector fueled tensions, leading to political polarization and growing support for provincial autonomy movements.
On the global stage, Trudeau positioned Canada as a leader in progressive values, championing LGBTQ+ rights, diversity, and international climate initiatives. His handling of the COVID-19 pandemic was divisive at best as the vaccine procurement delays and shifting public health policies frustrated many.
His foreign policy was often inconsistent. While he projected a strong stance on human rights and climate change abroad, trade tensions with China, missteps in handling relations with India, and strained ties with the U.S. under both Trump and Biden created diplomatic challenges. Canada’s influence on the world stage remained limited, and critics argued that his leadership lacked strategic depth.
The red wave that Trudeau rode in on in 2015 with the promise of sunny ways and doing things differently is not the one he is leaving with. Canada is a different place than it was nearly 10 years ago. For better or for worse, Trudeau has left his mark on Canada and how he will be remembered is still up in the air.
Daniel Perry is the Director of Federal Affairs at the Council of Canadian Innovators, leading national advocacy and engagement efforts. With experience in consulting and roles at the Senate of Canada, Queen’s Park, and the Canadian Criminal Justice Association, Daniel has helped political leaders and clients across various sectors achieve their public policy goals. A frequent media contributor and seasoned campaigner, Daniel holds a Master of Political Management from Carleton University.
