Dear Right Honourable (for now, anyway) Justin Trudeau,
You don't know me, but I’ve known you for quite some time. At least ten years... Congratulations for hanging on this long. It's been quite a run.
Although I must admit, you didn’t impress me much at first. You didn’t have the substance I wanted in a prime minister. It’s hard to explain. I just didn’t like you. Sorry!
But then you kind of grew on me. And it wasn’t just your beautiful hair or the way you could charm a crowd; it was the fact that you had some good policy ideas. Yes, even (gulp) the carbon tax!
The carbon tax – at the time – was needed to appease a public that was tired of the last federal government that largely ignored climate change. Since most provinces backed out of the deal, a majority of Canadians get carbon tax rebates, which makes up for the additional cost at the pumps. What no one could foresee was post-pandemic inflation and the fact that your carbon tax just keeps increasing! For doing so little for the climate, it’s causing people real financial pain.
As I look back on this now, this was a policy to show the world that Canada was doing at least something to address climate change – all show, no substance – kind of like you, eh? Sorry, low blow. I’m going to get to some of your real accomplishments now...
The Canada child benefit was one of the first programs you introduced. This income-tested funding for lower income families has been a godsend, alleviating child poverty in Canada significantly. A+ on this one.
You also legalized cannabis. Hey, this was inevitable – Canada just did it first. Given that it’s not nearly as dangerous as alcohol or tobacco, I don’t see the problem in regulating it. It’s so much better than throwing people in jail for smoking pot. I give you a B on this one.
More recently, you made agreements with the provinces to enhance federal childcare funding. This is huge. It has effectively reduced the cost of daycare for thousands of families across Canada. I'm not sure I agree these subsidies should be for everyone – including high-income earners – but maybe the program runs best this way. I would still give you an A.
The new Canadian dental care plan for low-income children and seniors is another good idea (actually, it's the NDP's idea but as PM, you can take the credit!) This could have a huge impact on the health of lower income Canadians. It hasn’t really taken off yet, though, and I don’t think you’ll get it done in time before you-know-who takes your job.... which could be sooner than you think, so I’ll give you a B.
Now to the more difficult part of this letter... Your judgment as prime minister. What can I say? It’s been, uh, lacking? I don’t know what kind of advisors you have, but almost every year you do something that makes me wonder what you pay these people for.
The SNC-Lavalin issue (if you can remember) was the biggest. You pressured your own Indigenous attorney general to not go after a company to save jobs in your own riding. That’s bad. In fact, that’s a fail.
Less critically (and more of a head-scratcher), shortly after this, while in India you decided to do a photo shoot with your family in full-on Bollywood attire. I’m not sure what you were trying to prove, but it kind of took me back to your days of wearing blackface. (Sensitive topic? Sorry!)
There were other things I won't mention now. We all do dumb things. But the most not-so-smart decision you seemed to save for last. Last week, you treated with disregard the most important and loyal member of your Cabinet, Chrystia Freeland – forcing her to suggest what most Liberals have been dying to say aloud for the last year: Step down! Don't make us force you out!
If anything has kept you going through a tumultuous career, it’s been your ego. I understand. Most politicians have one. But don’t let it get in the way of your party and your country. Like your friend, President Joe Biden, history may not look kindly on your decision to stay on for too long.
Take a long walk in some snow, Mr. Trudeau, and come back a new man – ready for the incredible world outside of Ottawa that awaits you.
All my love,
D
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