As President Obama told the Prime Minister elect, "enjoy the moment because it's all downhill from here". The real test for Trudeau, of course, is how he handles pressure and disappointment when some of his sunny plans don't work out, or when unexpected world events take over. He's fortunate, though, to have a strong backbench to form a solid cabinet. Unlike Harper, delegating responsibility and utilizing this talent could be key to his success.
15
Well, PM Trudeau, how about finally stopping the Canadian Seal Hunt? The trophy hunting of Polar Bears? Stopping the extraction of tar sands? Treating the First Nations as people?
1
This is MRS. Bonne chance et bonne santé a vous, Mr. Trudeau.
"open to addressing environmental concerns".... How open? Open to no clear cutting and protection of old growth in canadian forests? Recognizing the tar sands area is an environmental disaster? Proteting Native American's rights who live in close proximity to Canada's high pollution industries? Replacing fossil fuels on the road and in the grid, rather than just talking about it?
3
October 21, 2015
Real change in J Trudeau’s form is great and now substance with political maneuvering is best to learn from the Obama’s hope and audacity resulting in panic opposition, tears and chaos in America’s congress. My expectation is for all in parliament to ride the wave while its has momentum and the n the rest is the good graces of history by design for a while – and that’s good news for all Canadians.
JJA Manhattan, N.Y.
Real change in J Trudeau’s form is great and now substance with political maneuvering is best to learn from the Obama’s hope and audacity resulting in panic opposition, tears and chaos in America’s congress. My expectation is for all in parliament to ride the wave while its has momentum and the n the rest is the good graces of history by design for a while – and that’s good news for all Canadians.
JJA Manhattan, N.Y.
On finding another Trudeau in the driver's seat, I couldn stop the visceral swell of an unspoken "Three cheers for Canada!" burst in me. My reaction lends credence to the mystique of "First Impressions," that they not only count as an auspicious beginning, but are permanent, regardless of what follows. I Briefly met Prime Minister Justin's father in the mountaintop cafeteria at Whistler in British Columbia, 1983.
Wind-caked snow still on his boots, knit tuque and goggles on the tabletop, he sat with two friends in a booth, beer all around. Out of control, pardonably spontaneous, I approached. Quelling laughs, all three looked up expectantly. I introduced myself, saying, "Prime Minister, I just want to shake the hand of a man I admire."
He stood, relaxed and friendly, shy surprise and delight in his eyes, and unceremoniously invited me to join them, calling a waiter for another beer.
We talked about the mountain, the snow and that day's skiing. It was late afternoon. The four of us skied the last run of the day together, from bright, slanting sun into deep valley shadow. At each pause (it's a big mountain), we four, words unnecessary, exchanged smiles, celebrating that we were, for a moment, the 'Right People in the Right Place at the Right Time. In parting, I said, "Great Run!" and Pierre Elliot Trudeau, tossed me a jubilant nod -- as present in snow as we saw him in office.
I can't help hoping that the apple fell not far from the tree, character passed on.
Wind-caked snow still on his boots, knit tuque and goggles on the tabletop, he sat with two friends in a booth, beer all around. Out of control, pardonably spontaneous, I approached. Quelling laughs, all three looked up expectantly. I introduced myself, saying, "Prime Minister, I just want to shake the hand of a man I admire."
He stood, relaxed and friendly, shy surprise and delight in his eyes, and unceremoniously invited me to join them, calling a waiter for another beer.
We talked about the mountain, the snow and that day's skiing. It was late afternoon. The four of us skied the last run of the day together, from bright, slanting sun into deep valley shadow. At each pause (it's a big mountain), we four, words unnecessary, exchanged smiles, celebrating that we were, for a moment, the 'Right People in the Right Place at the Right Time. In parting, I said, "Great Run!" and Pierre Elliot Trudeau, tossed me a jubilant nod -- as present in snow as we saw him in office.
I can't help hoping that the apple fell not far from the tree, character passed on.
30
As a Canadian I somewhat resent the equation of Canada's "core values" with the Trudeau family and the Liberal party. Pierre Trudeau did not invent Canada and did not even invent the Liberal party. And to be fair to him, it is only since his death that the Liberals have adopted the unpleasant habit of saying that people who disagree with them are un-Canadian. As in other democracies, the different parties in Canada have different interpretations of what are "core values", but those different interpretations are all equally legitimate and respectable.
10
Trudeau has not disavowed support for Canada's tar sands industry or the KXL pipeline which represents that industry's only hope of ever getting that stuff to market. Canada is producing "oil" at a per-barrel cost of $50-65 and selling it into a market that is willing to pay $30 at point of production. The most likely scenario, given these current economics, is the industry will pressure the Canadian government for some kind of bailout, possibly a per-barrel subsidy.
Good luck on that one, Mr. Trudeau.
Good luck on that one, Mr. Trudeau.
2
Despite it’s conservative govt, and budget cuts, Canada has had health care for all for many decades. It didn’t repeal bank regulation and didn’t merge with US big banks, so avoided the Crash in 08. They haven’t gone as far as the rw in the US.
While American rebelled from the British King, Canada got the royalists who fled the colonies. The US set up the small govt ideal that the rw Gop has been using to transfer power to the top elites.
Canada is correcting itself, but American politics are stuck. We don’t see a way to correction, so that our democracy will work. Our last 2 Dem presidents have been centrists in our rw politics. They can only go so far. Thus we have taxation without representation. We don’t really know what a President Clinton will actually do, and how she will fight the rw congress.
Using slogans of freedom from big intrusive govt, the Gop rw is doubling down to dismantle our progress and protections, that are more normalized in other nations. They think they can win elections this way. Only in America.
While American rebelled from the British King, Canada got the royalists who fled the colonies. The US set up the small govt ideal that the rw Gop has been using to transfer power to the top elites.
Canada is correcting itself, but American politics are stuck. We don’t see a way to correction, so that our democracy will work. Our last 2 Dem presidents have been centrists in our rw politics. They can only go so far. Thus we have taxation without representation. We don’t really know what a President Clinton will actually do, and how she will fight the rw congress.
Using slogans of freedom from big intrusive govt, the Gop rw is doubling down to dismantle our progress and protections, that are more normalized in other nations. They think they can win elections this way. Only in America.
4
Americans should stop writing about us; knowing as much as they did about Iraq before their foray there in 2003. Our politics is profoundly different from yours, with all seeking or pretending to seek to hug the middle, whereas there doesn't appear to exist a middle in the U.S. So the numerous articles suggesting that the Left could learn from Junior Trudeau are imbecilic ingorance.
Trudeau did not win the election. He was just the last man standing. The tired old man in Harper had lost all innovation and energy, had proved to have a narrow and uninspiring focus of conservatism to tax reduction, balanced budgets and excessive law and order which denigrated civil rights.He had lost his front row talent, and had proved to be too much of a venal politician. I am a cultural conservative, but could not vote for Harper. The NDP Mulcair, with whom I was entertaining to vote, but ended up scratching the ballot, made a principled stand on the Muslims, which I deeply respect, but which politically killed him in his power base of Quebec, who are far more nativist than the rest of the country.
Trudeau did not win the election. He was just the last man standing. The tired old man in Harper had lost all innovation and energy, had proved to have a narrow and uninspiring focus of conservatism to tax reduction, balanced budgets and excessive law and order which denigrated civil rights.He had lost his front row talent, and had proved to be too much of a venal politician. I am a cultural conservative, but could not vote for Harper. The NDP Mulcair, with whom I was entertaining to vote, but ended up scratching the ballot, made a principled stand on the Muslims, which I deeply respect, but which politically killed him in his power base of Quebec, who are far more nativist than the rest of the country.
4
If only there was a similar young, vibrant, charismatic figure here in the U.S. on the moderate left to galvanize that spectrum? Instead we get a clown truck (no car is large enough to carry all these fools) on the GOP side, and a bunch of senior re-treads running for the Democrats. Hillary is like the mother on "Everybody Loves Raymond"; Bernie reminds me of my uncle Harold; Joe, who isn't in yet, is the best of the three, but he's OLD. Could it be possible that a JFK or Trudeau-like figure could emerge here between now and next year? Not likely. We seem stuck with our embedded mediocrities, a reflection of our country's arthritic prospects, total lack of political inspiration and rigged campaign financing, controlled by the 1%. If it wasn't for the weather, I might defect....to Canada.
8
Addendum: Almost every piece of progressive social legilsation ever enacted by any Canadian government has been accomplished by a minority government--including both Liberal and Conservative regimes--forced to compromise with the opposition parties of the day to stay in power.
1
I hope for the same type of win Nov 4 2016 for USA Liberals !
3
Canada shines the light on the path to take... Can the USA follow?
2
Trudeau's election is such good news that I hate to sound a negative note but it seems that the North American trend right now is for the electorate to gravitate towards people who have little or no governmental experience. And here's the important part, they gravitate towards them, not in spite of, but BECAUSE they have no experience.
These immature voters think that governing is easy. Anyone can do it. Here in America, Obama only had two years in the US Senate and the current top two Republican front runners have NO experience.
As a liberal, I'm gratified for Mr. Trudeau's victory but as a professional who knows the value of experience, I'm worried.
These immature voters think that governing is easy. Anyone can do it. Here in America, Obama only had two years in the US Senate and the current top two Republican front runners have NO experience.
As a liberal, I'm gratified for Mr. Trudeau's victory but as a professional who knows the value of experience, I'm worried.
6
Any elected Canadian prime minister faces a conundrum. Regardless of campaign promises, Canada's foreign policy cannot be independent. It is conditioned by its powerful Southern neighbor, the United States.
Young Trudeau's tenure won't be an exception. On foreign policy freedom, Canada is close to the US and yet so far.
Young Trudeau's tenure won't be an exception. On foreign policy freedom, Canada is close to the US and yet so far.
1
How is it that Mr. Harper was Prime Minister for almost 10 years if this were true?
that he would return the Liberal Party, and Canada, to the country’s core values, like a generous safety net, active participation in international organizations like the United Nations, a humanitarian foreign policy and an inclusive concept of nationhood. Mr. Harper’s conservatism was at odds with that identity.
that he would return the Liberal Party, and Canada, to the country’s core values, like a generous safety net, active participation in international organizations like the United Nations, a humanitarian foreign policy and an inclusive concept of nationhood. Mr. Harper’s conservatism was at odds with that identity.
2
LOL....and we thought Obama had a thin resume re: community organizer and parti-time college law lecturer....I guess because it's Canada the job requires even less ability re: snow boarder & high school teacher....Trump is looking mighty qualified at this point.....
4
As his father did, Justin will try to Have Québec participating actively in federal politics, even if it never signed Pierre Elliot Trudeau's constitution. Saskatchewan's leaders are already saying that Québec gets much to much money from federal government. Poor Justin!
2
Much luck to Mr. Trudeau as the new Prime Minister representing the hopes & aspirations, as well as the maintenance of societal strengths, of the great majority of Canadians.
Steven Harper can now contemplate over his pie & coffee, immigration to Texas.
Steven Harper can now contemplate over his pie & coffee, immigration to Texas.
5
The Obama era begins for Canada. Good luck with having a far left leader with no real experience running your country. Hope you enjoy the anemic economic growth, exponential expansion of government, and reduced stature in the world his policies will bring.
3
Incredible how the NYT lauds the election of this unaccomplished political scion with the vague references to a return to liberalism and humanitarianism.
The fact is Canada flourished under its shift to conservatism and never lost its center of gravity with respect to human rights or environmental concerns, as they were upheld by conservatives.
Trudeau is an unfortunate example of thecult of personality and fecklessness of progresdivism. Watch Canada suffer as a result.
The fact is Canada flourished under its shift to conservatism and never lost its center of gravity with respect to human rights or environmental concerns, as they were upheld by conservatives.
Trudeau is an unfortunate example of thecult of personality and fecklessness of progresdivism. Watch Canada suffer as a result.
3
So high school teachers are not "intellectual dynamos" but lawyers and minsters of justice are? Don't know where the editorial board went to high school, but I consider my high school teachers some of the most insightful and intelligent people I have met in my life.
37
39% of the vote? Maybe all our liberals can move North.
Right Wing Conservatism fails again. Can we eliminate right wing conservatism?
7
Just a few editorial notes for the Editorial Board:
Pierre Elliot Trudeau was not Justin Trudeau's only parent. He also has a mother, Margaret Sinclair Trudeau, you might want to mention her and her father, who was also a member of Parliament. Not one article has mentioned this. I wish Justin well and remember his father's first two terms of hopefulness. By the end of Pierre Trudeau's third term the economy was a disaster and I left the country just to find a job. Thank you the to the New York Time's Editorial Board for finally mentioning the nation to the north and the US's biggest trading partner, instead of the inept government (a polite term) to the south. I hope that you will now advocate for all Canadians who want to immigrate south by walking across a bridge, because I've just spent a lot of time and money trying to legally immigrate here and it's very slow and very expensive and even after paying thirty years of taxes and in my dotage seeing my job replaced by an H1-B from India, I still can't get amnesty.
Pierre Elliot Trudeau was not Justin Trudeau's only parent. He also has a mother, Margaret Sinclair Trudeau, you might want to mention her and her father, who was also a member of Parliament. Not one article has mentioned this. I wish Justin well and remember his father's first two terms of hopefulness. By the end of Pierre Trudeau's third term the economy was a disaster and I left the country just to find a job. Thank you the to the New York Time's Editorial Board for finally mentioning the nation to the north and the US's biggest trading partner, instead of the inept government (a polite term) to the south. I hope that you will now advocate for all Canadians who want to immigrate south by walking across a bridge, because I've just spent a lot of time and money trying to legally immigrate here and it's very slow and very expensive and even after paying thirty years of taxes and in my dotage seeing my job replaced by an H1-B from India, I still can't get amnesty.
4
It also means the "Australian Karl Rove", Lynton Crosby was denied another conservative victory, as a rightwing political strategist.
That Canadians rejected this nasty form of political manipulation gives cause for hope.
That Canadians rejected this nasty form of political manipulation gives cause for hope.
6
This just goes to show you--no matter how good a job you do, sooner or later the voters tire of the same leadership. Harper did some remarkable things to keep Canada on sound fiscal footing--including reducing taxes and keeping deficits under control. Canada will find, just as we have in the U.S., that Liberalism leads only to deficits, ever higher taxes, stifling regulations, class warfare and disharmony. I can't feel bad for Canadians--they did this to themselves.
4
A famous last name, a photogenic family, and a disgust with rigid "conservative" values got him elected. I hope this untested man succeeds, or he'll set liberalism back for a generation.
3
Something good happening on our continent! Canada's new prime minister, and Bernie running in the democratic primary! Whether Bernie wins the nomination or not, the fact that he doing so well is heartening, and makes he know that some Americans still have a beating heart. Thank you.
4
The United States could use a political change of direction and something in a liberal vein would be very refreshing. Sanders is certainly in that direction but can he find a cooperative Congress there to help him?
Someone tell me what is going to assure Sanders of a supporting Congress! Please!
Someone tell me what is going to assure Sanders of a supporting Congress! Please!
2
You seem to have misunderstood the Trudeau legacy. Sure, many people remember his father fondly. But in Quebec, separatists are still mad at Trudeau senior for scuttling the chances of an independent Quebec. It is STUNNING that Quebec voted for Trudeau. Only a deep desire to oust Harper could have led to the Liberal support Justin got in rural Quebec.
The other big obstacle was the province of Alberta, which is still mad about an energy policy Trudeau senior instigated in the 1980s. Many Albertans swore they would never vote for Trudeau because of what his father did 35 years ago.
So it's not just a legacy coronation. He really had to overcome a lot. It's like Jeb Bush's situation, magnified.
The other big obstacle was the province of Alberta, which is still mad about an energy policy Trudeau senior instigated in the 1980s. Many Albertans swore they would never vote for Trudeau because of what his father did 35 years ago.
So it's not just a legacy coronation. He really had to overcome a lot. It's like Jeb Bush's situation, magnified.
12
I don't wish to be rude but Justin Trudeau's success in this election had nothing to do with his father. He and they (Liberals) would have done as well, in fact exactly the same if his name had been Boychuck or Macdonald.
5
You mean Canadians rejected trickle down (the rich will save us) economics of the US. How dare they! Don't they know that someday somehow in the near/far future the rich will bring great jobs to us out to thin air while sending of all those dirty jobs that moved our parents and grandparents into the middle class away to other nations visiting down on them the horrors of actually doing hard work so we can all denigrate them for their foolishness as our parents and grandparents were fooled into working their way into the middle class and saving enough for our colleges while collecting nice pensions in their old age. What fools they were/are. We with our high load and high fees 401K's are so much better off. At least we don't come home dirty even if we don't make as much and our benefits are worse than our parents union benefits were and our children cannot afford college, well we are so much better off.
How can the Canadians be so foolish and haughty to deny the benefits of the low taxes on the rich and balanced budgets that have all but bankrupted America and caused it to look and function like a third world country but produced rich financiers who hide their money and do not reinvest it in America as we were told they would? How foolish our neighbors to the North are!
We look to you with hope that Americans will wake up as you have.
How can the Canadians be so foolish and haughty to deny the benefits of the low taxes on the rich and balanced budgets that have all but bankrupted America and caused it to look and function like a third world country but produced rich financiers who hide their money and do not reinvest it in America as we were told they would? How foolish our neighbors to the North are!
We look to you with hope that Americans will wake up as you have.
8
Canada just became an even better place than it is now. Many/beaucoup felicitations.
8
Unlike canada we elect our leader seperately and then must elect the majority of congress in the same party. I so hope that is a viable solution.
I am truly proud of my canadian neighbors and their ability to right a wrong.
I am truly proud of my canadian neighbors and their ability to right a wrong.
3
Well, it’s probably at least five years of Trudeau anyway. We’ll have to see about an era. Political parties seem to have sell-by dates these days eaten up by how long one is actually in power. Happened with Clinton, with Dubya, perhaps now with Obama. It happened finally with Trudeau’s father and the younger isn’t likely to be proof against it.
Clearly, Trudeau’s legacy was an immense advantage, as point to point he was hardly comparable in experience to Harper. The (far younger) schoolteacher against the professional politician and the parliamentary seats followed. Where Harper had the depth to lead by experience, Trudeau will need to listen to many people and in that process may lose focus on a clear path forward.
Harper is only 56, and new elections will need to be called no later than in five years. If Trudeau can’t summon halcyon days that for Canadians just as for Americans are long gone and unlikely to return, Harper may see power again.
But, for now, congratulations to the left-center in Canada.
Clearly, Trudeau’s legacy was an immense advantage, as point to point he was hardly comparable in experience to Harper. The (far younger) schoolteacher against the professional politician and the parliamentary seats followed. Where Harper had the depth to lead by experience, Trudeau will need to listen to many people and in that process may lose focus on a clear path forward.
Harper is only 56, and new elections will need to be called no later than in five years. If Trudeau can’t summon halcyon days that for Canadians just as for Americans are long gone and unlikely to return, Harper may see power again.
But, for now, congratulations to the left-center in Canada.
3
Richard, Harper worked in the mail room for Esso. His dad got him the job after he was thrown out of law school in Toronto because he didn't play well with others. He was then sent to Calgary where they bought him an economics degree though he has never published a paper as an economist. He then was in a right wing NGO the National Citizens Coalition and on the side was a founding member of The Northern Heritage a right wing skin head group. He never had a real job before becoming PM.
So Canadians decided to once again be citizens of a real country, with a Prime Minister heading an elected government, rather than perpetually probationary employees of a big corporation headed by an autocratic CEO. Bravo! And, guess what. More and more folks on the south side of their border are starting to get sick and tired of electing corporate-financed puppets in both parties, as well.
Welcome to the 'All About Eve' era in politics, folks. As Bette Davis said in that flick, "Fasten your seat belts. You're in for a bumpy ride."
Welcome to the 'All About Eve' era in politics, folks. As Bette Davis said in that flick, "Fasten your seat belts. You're in for a bumpy ride."
4
Mr. Justin Trudeau is definitely enthusiastic and honest and sincere -- and liberal. I think that will greatly benefit Canada, the U.S. and the world. It is true, as the article suggests, that people do miss the Trudeaumania of his father -- but his sincerity will make up for whatever experience his relative youth may lack at this point. My faith has been restored in Canadian liberalism.
5
Nice to see Canada become Canada again, rather than American Neocon-Lite. At least we now have someplace close and civilized to which to escape on The Donald’s inauguration day.
8
Nice to see Canada has gotten over the fad of an ugly national mood that Americans got over back in 2008. Of course, over here we are seeing the mood of xenophobia, reactionary politics, and hostility to harmonious political sentiments resurging again, so maybe these things are cyclical. If so, in 10 years I greatly look forward to Canada's version of Donald Trump.
2
The upset in the Canadian political scene is an ominous omen for the GOP in the US. PM Harper's extreme right wing bias was certainly no secret, and his deep-rooted allegiances to the traditional energy industries was clearly behind his antipathy toward environmental concerns. But this is not the only alignment he had with GOP ideologies. His governing record over the last decade also shows he meant business playing hardball with the disadvantaged and impoverished while pandering to the privileged. He was so consistent in this regard that it would have made Paul Ryan proud. All of this was roundly rejected and thrown out in this election in all areas across the nation, including western Canada where his roots were. Regardless the structural differences between voting regimes of the two countries, the vast ground swell of voting behavior of the Canadian electorate against GOP-like ideologies as they were playing out in Canada is noteworthy and could well be as good an indicator as any that the GOP is in trouble.
3
We are celebrating in Canada. Harper never represented Canadian values and won only because the 60+ % of voters who disagreed with him split their vote among the two parties to the left of him. And your comment that the son is not the father is a cheap shot and off the mark. Justin Trudeau embraces many of the same values as his father such as a strong commitment to national unity and a willingness to use the resources of government to improve the lives of citizens. As of October 20, 2015, Canadians need no longer suffer from Obama envy wishing that we could have a leader that would match your talented, inspiring, and under appreciated president.
5
A well written editorial. The good news is that Trudeau could not have appealed successfully to the better angels of our nature if there weren't any. The only danger was that Harper would exploit a vote split between the two major parties and slip up the middle for a second time, although a majority government for him was never in the cards. From the beginning of the campaign it was obvious that 70% of Canadians desperately wanted change. They were fooled once by his relatively moderate minority governments, but shocked and appalled by his four years of Tea Party majority rule. We must deal with the continuing shame of our treatment of our First Nations people, while reestablishing and reconfirming the values that make Canada a great, inclusive nation of peacekeepers and fair brokers.
1
Times are hard in Canada at the moment, so it's no surprise to see such a shift in national politics. "If times are hard under person A, lets try person B."
Canada weathered the 2007/8 financial crisis because the economic engine of the world (China) had the wherewithal to shift its export-driven growth with investment-driven growth fueled by debt. China's "New Deal" funneled wealth into commodities-rich countries like Australia and Canada. Well, Chinese debt has finally reached unsustainable levels (~300% of GDP!) and commodities markets have collapsed. Add in Saudi efforts to gain marketshare by undercutting American tight-oil/Canadian tar sands, the strengthening of the US dollar against world currencies (including the loonie) and you have a recipe for hard-times no matter who is in office.
The question is, what can Trudeau do? While Canada has a relatively diversified economy, the western provinces (particularly Alberta) pay the bills. That's a problem in a world of $50 oil... and with a new prime minister outspoken against climate change. Shifting the economic burden to the high-tech sector seems dubious, with companies like Nortel and RIM fighting for survival. Even the transportation conglomerate Bombardier has recently revealed that its new duopoly-busting jet program is in such dire straits that the company is in an existential crisis that will likely require government support to weather.
Mr. Trudeau, the world watches with interest.
Canada weathered the 2007/8 financial crisis because the economic engine of the world (China) had the wherewithal to shift its export-driven growth with investment-driven growth fueled by debt. China's "New Deal" funneled wealth into commodities-rich countries like Australia and Canada. Well, Chinese debt has finally reached unsustainable levels (~300% of GDP!) and commodities markets have collapsed. Add in Saudi efforts to gain marketshare by undercutting American tight-oil/Canadian tar sands, the strengthening of the US dollar against world currencies (including the loonie) and you have a recipe for hard-times no matter who is in office.
The question is, what can Trudeau do? While Canada has a relatively diversified economy, the western provinces (particularly Alberta) pay the bills. That's a problem in a world of $50 oil... and with a new prime minister outspoken against climate change. Shifting the economic burden to the high-tech sector seems dubious, with companies like Nortel and RIM fighting for survival. Even the transportation conglomerate Bombardier has recently revealed that its new duopoly-busting jet program is in such dire straits that the company is in an existential crisis that will likely require government support to weather.
Mr. Trudeau, the world watches with interest.
2
To be sure the ouster of any autocrat is to be applauded. But the installation in his place with this, -to be candid, -ingenue whose best qualification for high office is his patrimony bespeaks a political system that has failed its putative democratic mission. As has been proven with Obama and the profound disappointment he has engendered, a pretty face does not necessarily mean a pretty heart. And for all the vapid celebration of this man's telegenic youth and supposed novelty, time will tell if he can summon up from the grave even a modicum of the intellect and wisdom his father brought to resolving the great or indeed far greater political problems of today. Based upon the content of public musings to date, I am not encouraged.
2
A lifelong friend of mine in Toronto has sent me his comments on Monday's election:
"Well, at last we turfed that tyrannical ideologue. He has damaged our reputation all around the world as one of the most dependable honest brokers among the nations, eviscerated our Peacekeeping activities, aligned us with Israel no matter how outrageously they behave, eliminated any chance we have at a seat on the Security Council, maligned our Supreme Court judges, attacked Officials of Parliament for just doing their job, eliminated the Long Census, lied to the House of Commons about the cost of the purchase of new jet fighters, introduced the despicable Omnibus Bill system so beautifully developed in the USA to such sad effect, gained us a reputation as one of the developed countries that can be counted on to block any serious attempt to address either global warming or air and water pollution, muzzled our scientists, blocked fulfillment of the federal commitments to address the Native Schools scandals, concentrated power in the PMO to a scandalously unheard-of-ever degree, rendered every member of his caucus (including cabinet ministers) nothing more than a lap-dog, throttled dissent of any kind, and established his administration as the only one in the history of our country to be found in contempt of Parliament.
"In case I have failed to make myself clear, I am delighted to see the south end of that [expletive deleted for sensitive NYT readers] heading north."
p.
"Well, at last we turfed that tyrannical ideologue. He has damaged our reputation all around the world as one of the most dependable honest brokers among the nations, eviscerated our Peacekeeping activities, aligned us with Israel no matter how outrageously they behave, eliminated any chance we have at a seat on the Security Council, maligned our Supreme Court judges, attacked Officials of Parliament for just doing their job, eliminated the Long Census, lied to the House of Commons about the cost of the purchase of new jet fighters, introduced the despicable Omnibus Bill system so beautifully developed in the USA to such sad effect, gained us a reputation as one of the developed countries that can be counted on to block any serious attempt to address either global warming or air and water pollution, muzzled our scientists, blocked fulfillment of the federal commitments to address the Native Schools scandals, concentrated power in the PMO to a scandalously unheard-of-ever degree, rendered every member of his caucus (including cabinet ministers) nothing more than a lap-dog, throttled dissent of any kind, and established his administration as the only one in the history of our country to be found in contempt of Parliament.
"In case I have failed to make myself clear, I am delighted to see the south end of that [expletive deleted for sensitive NYT readers] heading north."
p.
12
Your friend from Toronto could also have added that political control of Canada was returned to its rightful locus in the Ontario/Quebec sphere of hegemony. The thought that a hayseed from the Prairie Provinces should dictate to the real Canadians east of Thunder Bay has finally been rectified.
Now, Canada can concentrate on real problems, such as the secession of Quebec. And, repatriating Justin Bieber.
Now, Canada can concentrate on real problems, such as the secession of Quebec. And, repatriating Justin Bieber.
Unspoken here is the fact that Canada is now in recession, thanks in great part but not exclusively to the collapse of oil prices. Alberta suffers in the same way as North Dakota. The Canadian dollar, a few years ago nearly at parity with ours, is now around 20% lower. This Canada moment is more like 2008 in the US, when, in deep recession, we turned to a relatively inexperienced but charismatic and optimistic progressive.
Ours is not a parliamentary system, and under present circumstances, with Republicans controlling both houses of the legislature, it is quite likely ungovernable. Mr. Trudeau is at an advantage. His minority party is, as was Mr. Harper's, in full control. The parallels, however we would like to draw them, are simply nonexistent.
Ours is not a parliamentary system, and under present circumstances, with Republicans controlling both houses of the legislature, it is quite likely ungovernable. Mr. Trudeau is at an advantage. His minority party is, as was Mr. Harper's, in full control. The parallels, however we would like to draw them, are simply nonexistent.
3
"His government also banned women from wearing face coverings at citizenship ceremonies."
Clarification: the Harper Government *attempted* and failed to ban one woman from wearing the niquab during the citizenship ceremony; the ban was overturned. Twice.
Clarification: the Harper Government *attempted* and failed to ban one woman from wearing the niquab during the citizenship ceremony; the ban was overturned. Twice.
8
The Conservative mantra of "no" for the most part is never replaced with anything else, other than the pose that more money is necessary for the upkeep of their wealthiest Svengalis. The majority of people get tired of it, sooner, or later.
3
There is a sobering message for liberals (aka progressive Democrats) here in your concluding comment that "a fresh leader capable of inspiring much of the same excitement and loyalty as his father, especially among youthful voters" was essential to political success in electing Justin Trudeau. This is why I always wanted Senator Elizabeth Warren to run for President. To me, she is, like Barack Obama, the "inspiring" female "leader" while Secretary Clinton certainly is neither "fresh" nor capable of generating much "excitement" and Bernie Sanders may be both too old and too far left. Canadians have had their George W. Bush experience; I only hope Americans have not forgotten what that was like as yet another Bush and others chanting from the same failed conservative playbook of tax cuts for the rich and wars abroad try to distract and divide us.
2
Just as Americans are poised to elect a conservative Republican president and just as Western Europe comes to the realization that socialism only works until you run out of other people's money, we have elected our own version of The Obama Messiah.
Our young snow board instructor and substitute private school drama teacher (he resigned over an "issue" with the administration) and took education courses because his marks weren't high enough to get into law or engineering, will carbon tax us and run us into debt to provide "shovel ready" jobs.
Didn't we learn anything from watching America?
Our young snow board instructor and substitute private school drama teacher (he resigned over an "issue" with the administration) and took education courses because his marks weren't high enough to get into law or engineering, will carbon tax us and run us into debt to provide "shovel ready" jobs.
Didn't we learn anything from watching America?
4
Brother, America today, right now, is doing pretty damn good thank you. Sure middle class life sucks compared to the Koch set. Life under the Harvard law educated community organizer has been pretty good. Let's give JT a chance, he will be surrounded by smart minister's in cabinet and remember he will not wield the same type of veto power POTUS has, although perhaps a moot point given the Liberal majority.
Peter:
You have a short memory Peter, when Harper took over as PM, in a minority government, he had a significant surplus handed to him created by cuts from Paul Martin and the previous Liberal government. So after 10 years, what do we have now?
Watching America? You must be joking, ridiculous tax cuts and continuing wars resulting in record deficits, a financial meltdown in 2008 initiated by corporate criminals and probably one of, if not, the greatest taxpayer bailouts in the history of the country, corporate welfare at its best, and this is the example you want Canada to follow?
You have a short memory Peter, when Harper took over as PM, in a minority government, he had a significant surplus handed to him created by cuts from Paul Martin and the previous Liberal government. So after 10 years, what do we have now?
Watching America? You must be joking, ridiculous tax cuts and continuing wars resulting in record deficits, a financial meltdown in 2008 initiated by corporate criminals and probably one of, if not, the greatest taxpayer bailouts in the history of the country, corporate welfare at its best, and this is the example you want Canada to follow?
One is reminded of the old dictum, "Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely." No political entity that has absolute power fosters the general welfare. Instead, it focuses on securing absolute, continuing power for itself. The Harper government was ushered in after years of Liberal Party malfeasance with loud huzzahs. Recently, the Harper government followed the same path to ignominity.
Young Mr. Trudeau has now been given the same kind of mandate that destroyed the Liberals and Conservatives before him. And the future for him and his party?
Really, one could be forgiven for being pessimistic....
Young Mr. Trudeau has now been given the same kind of mandate that destroyed the Liberals and Conservatives before him. And the future for him and his party?
Really, one could be forgiven for being pessimistic....
3
I'll forgive anyone fr being pessimistic in these days choked with unintended consequences, but supercilious not so much.
The Liberals have done a lot of great things for Canada over the years, and in contrast, the negative drift of Harper's Conservatives was clear from the moment he was elected. Let's celebrate Trudeau's intentions while we can rather than lining up to be the first to be able to say "I told you so."
The Liberals have done a lot of great things for Canada over the years, and in contrast, the negative drift of Harper's Conservatives was clear from the moment he was elected. Let's celebrate Trudeau's intentions while we can rather than lining up to be the first to be able to say "I told you so."
Hopefully, Canada begins to put a little more space between itself and the United States in foreign policy. While Canada continues to be an important member of NATO it shouldn't play the role of dog on a leash to feckless and incompetent American war making in the Middle East.
There is much that Canada and the USA can and should do together since we inhabit the same part of our continent but it should revolve more around trade, environmental conservation and energy than participating in America's failed military adventures.
There is much that Canada and the USA can and should do together since we inhabit the same part of our continent but it should revolve more around trade, environmental conservation and energy than participating in America's failed military adventures.
4
I think the dynasty idea has some effect with Justin Trudeau. However I worked on the election on Monday and many young adults were registering and voting for the first time because they thought it an important election. The Trudeaumania of the past doesn't register with them, although it makes a nice story.
20
Well, a few adjectives come to mind in reading the Editorial Board's piece on Justin Trudeau - fawning, sycophantic, obsequies.
This type of biased commentary - similar to the MSM's treatment of any Kennedy - is why so many people despise the left. A sneering dismissiveness or aloofness by the NY Times towards most of our leaders seems to go out the window when a young, attractive liberal moving up is the topic. Then the Editorial Board pens a puff piece like this. Not since Obama and his winning the Nobel Peace Prize has the NY Times been so over the top.
I have nothing against Justin Trudeau and wish him well as he takes over the leadership of Canada. Yet, the change in leadership from Conservatives to Liberals is hardly the seismic shock presented by the NY Times. For anyone not knowing any better, one would think that the Harper government had steered Canada to a fascist police state and gutted the country's safety net. This is far, far from conditions in Canada today, making this editorial so laughable.
Please, Editorial Board, for you own self respect, try to demonstrate some modicum of perspective.
This type of biased commentary - similar to the MSM's treatment of any Kennedy - is why so many people despise the left. A sneering dismissiveness or aloofness by the NY Times towards most of our leaders seems to go out the window when a young, attractive liberal moving up is the topic. Then the Editorial Board pens a puff piece like this. Not since Obama and his winning the Nobel Peace Prize has the NY Times been so over the top.
I have nothing against Justin Trudeau and wish him well as he takes over the leadership of Canada. Yet, the change in leadership from Conservatives to Liberals is hardly the seismic shock presented by the NY Times. For anyone not knowing any better, one would think that the Harper government had steered Canada to a fascist police state and gutted the country's safety net. This is far, far from conditions in Canada today, making this editorial so laughable.
Please, Editorial Board, for you own self respect, try to demonstrate some modicum of perspective.
3
From an e-mail I sent to an American friend yesterday:
I went to Toronto (to an old pal from my university days) to watch the results come in from yesterday's general election - there is such a sense of relief that Mr Harper has left the scene! But it struck me very hard that there is no one remotely like Justin Trudeau in the U.S. - a mature and steady politician with leadership capability who is still in his 40s. Kinda sad, I think. Of course, there are millions of people who would immediately say that Ted Cruz is such a person.
Ah well.
I went to Toronto (to an old pal from my university days) to watch the results come in from yesterday's general election - there is such a sense of relief that Mr Harper has left the scene! But it struck me very hard that there is no one remotely like Justin Trudeau in the U.S. - a mature and steady politician with leadership capability who is still in his 40s. Kinda sad, I think. Of course, there are millions of people who would immediately say that Ted Cruz is such a person.
Ah well.
2
So now we know that the U.S. is not the only country that has family dynasties. Trudeau reminds me a lot of John F. Kennedy's son. An attractive and pleasant enough fellow, but besides the name, not a lot of intellectual heft. Trudeau, the Junior, will probably be in way over his head. And as time passes that will become more obvious to Canadians. History teaches us that blood lines have a tendency to thin, but the publics' love affaires with family names linger on. I am assuming that conservatives in Canada can play hard ball just like their cousins in the U.S. and although they are in a distinct minority now their capacity for causing great mischief will soon become apparent.
2
On Monday, Canadians made a remarkably definitive decision about a candidate. In large part, they did so after a 78 day campaign period - one of the longest campaigns in Canadian history.
Perhaps the United States with its grueling marathon presidential campaigns will look north and take a lesson.
Perhaps the United States with its grueling marathon presidential campaigns will look north and take a lesson.
5
Stephan Harper's defeat represents the realization of a western nation that the conservative philosophy of 'to the victor go the spoils' and 'unfettered free market economics' is not compatible with a fulfilling human experience. The Canadian people are looking for another path. Stephan Harper's royalist, feudal governance was soundly rejected. It should be a wake-up call for similar demigods in the US. The Magna Carta and the American Revolution should have put such philosophy to rest. However, we have to keep relearning the obvious.
Altruistic, humanitarian governance is far superior to war mongering and do not spare the lash 'conservatism'. Both the US and Canada have the advantage of immense natural resources and a huge oceanic moat to allow such a humanistic government to succeed. However, the conservatives continue to want to scare the public into incarcerating large numbers of our population and being prejudiced against many other humans (muslims, Mexicans, blacks, etc.) in order to maintain their grip on power. Insanity. Let's hope the United States public has the same solution as the Canadians.
Altruistic, humanitarian governance is far superior to war mongering and do not spare the lash 'conservatism'. Both the US and Canada have the advantage of immense natural resources and a huge oceanic moat to allow such a humanistic government to succeed. However, the conservatives continue to want to scare the public into incarcerating large numbers of our population and being prejudiced against many other humans (muslims, Mexicans, blacks, etc.) in order to maintain their grip on power. Insanity. Let's hope the United States public has the same solution as the Canadians.
27
Kirk, Stephen Harper represented all that the right wing of the Republican Party was trying to do in Washington. The "royalist, feudal governance" died when we repatriated our constitution while enshrining the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Pierre Trudeau's primary accomplishment, three decades ago.
I see in the NYTimes , today, that you may be about to ease up on the incarceration rate, while also doing away with mandatory minimums. We will now do the same thing, in the absence of "Steve" ( Dubya dubbed him Steve, ignoring the reality, a far less folksy, Stephen.)
I see in the NYTimes , today, that you may be about to ease up on the incarceration rate, while also doing away with mandatory minimums. We will now do the same thing, in the absence of "Steve" ( Dubya dubbed him Steve, ignoring the reality, a far less folksy, Stephen.)
Canadians were suffocating under the slime of neoconservatives, straight from Dick Cheney's dreams.
It looks as if they have gotten out more completely than we did. For their sake, I hope so.
Then again, Obama promised much that Trudeau promises. Obama just didn't deliver anything like what was hoped for by his supporters.
Good luck Canada.
We still have work to do here, to get to what Obama promised, what Trudeau promises.
Hillary wouldn't do it. She'd slide us back under, deeper than Obama left us. Meanwhile the Republicans would drown us in slime, entirely blow up our economy and position in the world.
We don't even have much choice, unless Bernie or someone can make progress against Hillary on the Democratic side.
It looks as if they have gotten out more completely than we did. For their sake, I hope so.
Then again, Obama promised much that Trudeau promises. Obama just didn't deliver anything like what was hoped for by his supporters.
Good luck Canada.
We still have work to do here, to get to what Obama promised, what Trudeau promises.
Hillary wouldn't do it. She'd slide us back under, deeper than Obama left us. Meanwhile the Republicans would drown us in slime, entirely blow up our economy and position in the world.
We don't even have much choice, unless Bernie or someone can make progress against Hillary on the Democratic side.
6
During the Harper years, try as they may, liberals in the USA have had a doggone hard time maintaining their mantra that Canada is the embodiment of everything good and pure in the world. Doubtless now that Mr. Trudeau (heir of a liberal political dynasty) has prevailed, they can gladly return to that old script.
Before bowing at the altar again, I suggest that objective people look at Trudeau's recent comments on Alberta's oil sands made during a recent debate. The oil sands are among most environmentally deleterious fuels ever seen on this wonderful planet (following is from the Edmonton Journal):
'While Green Leader Elizabeth May and NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair were busy arguing over which one of them was more opposed to pipelines, Trudeau accused Conservative Leader Stephen Harper of bungling negotiations with the American government to get the Keystone XL pipeline built.
“Mr. Harper has turned the oil sands into the scapegoat around the world for climate change and he’s put a big target on our oil sands, which are going to be an important part of our economy for a number of years to come, although we have to get beyond them,” he said in what was probably his strongest moment in the debate.'
Oh really? Feeding the oil sands to Americans "for years to come" like a dope pusher does to his junkies, until he has to "get beyond" it was his "strongest moment in the debate."
No, thank you very much - no oil sands for the USA!
Before bowing at the altar again, I suggest that objective people look at Trudeau's recent comments on Alberta's oil sands made during a recent debate. The oil sands are among most environmentally deleterious fuels ever seen on this wonderful planet (following is from the Edmonton Journal):
'While Green Leader Elizabeth May and NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair were busy arguing over which one of them was more opposed to pipelines, Trudeau accused Conservative Leader Stephen Harper of bungling negotiations with the American government to get the Keystone XL pipeline built.
“Mr. Harper has turned the oil sands into the scapegoat around the world for climate change and he’s put a big target on our oil sands, which are going to be an important part of our economy for a number of years to come, although we have to get beyond them,” he said in what was probably his strongest moment in the debate.'
Oh really? Feeding the oil sands to Americans "for years to come" like a dope pusher does to his junkies, until he has to "get beyond" it was his "strongest moment in the debate."
No, thank you very much - no oil sands for the USA!
4
Your editorial said the Harper government "banned women from wearing face coverings at citizenship ceremonies." That isn't quite true. The Harper government was unsuccessful after failing two federal court rulings.
As the Globe & Mail stated, "[on October 5] the Federal Court of Appeal refused to suspend its ruling from last month that effectively allows Zunera Ishaq, a Muslim woman, to cover her face when she takes her oath of Canadian citizenship. The government appealed last month’s decision to the Supreme Court, and it wanted its policy of banning niqabs at citizenship ceremonies to remain in place in the interim."
Ms. Ishaq was awarded citizenship last week following her veil removal in private to a female court official, and she voted in yesterday's election. She probably didn't vote Conservative.
The court rulings are in keeping with Canada's general embrace of migrants of many traditions from other parts of the world.
As the Globe & Mail stated, "[on October 5] the Federal Court of Appeal refused to suspend its ruling from last month that effectively allows Zunera Ishaq, a Muslim woman, to cover her face when she takes her oath of Canadian citizenship. The government appealed last month’s decision to the Supreme Court, and it wanted its policy of banning niqabs at citizenship ceremonies to remain in place in the interim."
Ms. Ishaq was awarded citizenship last week following her veil removal in private to a female court official, and she voted in yesterday's election. She probably didn't vote Conservative.
The court rulings are in keeping with Canada's general embrace of migrants of many traditions from other parts of the world.
5
One has to remember, when it comes to much of the American media and the outside world, accuracy in their stories is secondary to the controversy.
Just for the record, while Trudeau senior was committed to humanitarian values, his major accomplishment was getting tough on Québec separatists. It was he who called out the army in 1970, when terrorists in Québec kidnapped a provincial cabinet minister. Less laudably, too, he exhibited a fascination for dictators, from his youthful escapades in prank mode, when he dressed up as a Nazi, to his entirely serious cultivation of Mao and Castro as PM. Let's hope junior doesn't have the latter proclivity.
Also, for the record, and something you won't garner from the comments here, Mr. Harper was no tea-party Republican. He moved incrementally toward smaller government without serious compromising our social safety net. He was no isolationist, believing that Canada should take a principled stand in international affairs, within its limited means, and he championed free trade. On the climate file, he was no denier, but he understood that, given our resource dependence at a time of worldwide economic instability, and the fact that climate change was two-edged as far as very cold countries are concerned, it made no sense for us to get out in front of the major players.
All in all, while recognizing that Harper had little aptitude for selling himself to the public, especially younger people, about a third of us regard him as one of our best Prime Ministers. One would have to go back to Trudeau senior to find someone with significantly better approval ratings than that.
Also, for the record, and something you won't garner from the comments here, Mr. Harper was no tea-party Republican. He moved incrementally toward smaller government without serious compromising our social safety net. He was no isolationist, believing that Canada should take a principled stand in international affairs, within its limited means, and he championed free trade. On the climate file, he was no denier, but he understood that, given our resource dependence at a time of worldwide economic instability, and the fact that climate change was two-edged as far as very cold countries are concerned, it made no sense for us to get out in front of the major players.
All in all, while recognizing that Harper had little aptitude for selling himself to the public, especially younger people, about a third of us regard him as one of our best Prime Ministers. One would have to go back to Trudeau senior to find someone with significantly better approval ratings than that.
5
One should be careful with a deceleration of a 'new era'. The liberals still soaked with elections promises and the glamour of victory which generate the 'hope and change' atmosphere.
Indeed Liberals - on the provincial level - have not been much different from the Conservatives. Both are pro-business, promote budget cuts and austerity, cuts to public services and rising college tuition. They have been behind privatization of public utilities and used iron fist against unions. Needless to say they have all been under-funding the healthcare system and the failing transportation system.
It was prime minister Harper who pushed Conservative government even further to the right to become the equivalent to the American Tea Party only with a ten years grip on power. With its secretive manners, mean spirit policies promoting paranoia, xenophobia, distrust and militarism, Harper extremism put right wing Liberals - whose leader is still part of the privileged elite- as a moderate, sane group.
It is not impossible that in few months those differences will be minuscule.
Indeed Liberals - on the provincial level - have not been much different from the Conservatives. Both are pro-business, promote budget cuts and austerity, cuts to public services and rising college tuition. They have been behind privatization of public utilities and used iron fist against unions. Needless to say they have all been under-funding the healthcare system and the failing transportation system.
It was prime minister Harper who pushed Conservative government even further to the right to become the equivalent to the American Tea Party only with a ten years grip on power. With its secretive manners, mean spirit policies promoting paranoia, xenophobia, distrust and militarism, Harper extremism put right wing Liberals - whose leader is still part of the privileged elite- as a moderate, sane group.
It is not impossible that in few months those differences will be minuscule.
10
Sigh... an observation that may well be too accurate. George W. clearly was a figurehead devoid of any "Presidential" qualities and functioned as a puppet public face of the vicious Cheney Regime. Similarly, our sweet young thing is devoid of any real leadership qualities and also is Play-Do in the hands of quite corrupt and vile Liberal apparatchiks.
Trudeau's victory was due, in no small part, to Canadians being fed up with the negative tactics that had served the Conservatives well in the past. Trudeau had the guts to reject negative campaigning, and it paid off.
I would like to see American voters do likewise.
I would like to see American voters do likewise.
16
It should be noted and this could be the primary reason for Trudeau's success is his Promise to run deficits for three years in order to lift Canada out of its economic doldrums. His father was a follower of John Maynard Keynes and the years of austerity by Harper have now been rejected in this historic election.
American voters should watch what he does in following through with efforts to stimulate the economy and revive Canada's economic fortunes. This is likely to become a major campaign issue as republicans here try to evoke the austerity model while democrats tend to be more realistic about what can be done to improve the economy.
American voters should watch what he does in following through with efforts to stimulate the economy and revive Canada's economic fortunes. This is likely to become a major campaign issue as republicans here try to evoke the austerity model while democrats tend to be more realistic about what can be done to improve the economy.
14
"before he entered politics in 2007, he had been a snowboard instructor, high school teacher and nightclub bouncer"
Ah, so he's more qualified than Obama.
Ah, so he's more qualified than Obama.
4
Obama was a US Senator when he was elected. This is a perfect example of mean spirited Harperism.
There is a sobering message for liberals (aka progressive Democrats) here in your concluding comment that "a fresh leader capable of inspiring much of the same excitement and loyalty as his father, especially among youthful voters" is essential to political success in yesterday's election in Canada. This is why I always wanted Senator Elizabeth Warren to run for President. To me, she is the female counterpart to Barack Obama while Secretary Clinton certainly is not "fresh" and Bernie Sanders may be both too old and too far left. Canadians have had their George W. Bush experience; I only hope Americans have not forgotten what that was like as yet another Bush and others chanting from the same failed conservative playbook tax cuts for the rich and wars abroad try to distract and divide us.
6
" . . . a fresh leader capable of inspiring much of the same excitement and loyalty as his father, especially among youthful voters . . "
We have no such candidate in the upcoming election cycle! If Senator Warren were the female counterpart to Barack Obama, that alone would be reasonable cause to reject her at the polls, but she is far better than that!
It is rather unfortunate that the U.S. neither has a candidate like Justin Trudeau, nor a 78 day (reasonably perceived as too long by most Canadians) election cycle!
We have no such candidate in the upcoming election cycle! If Senator Warren were the female counterpart to Barack Obama, that alone would be reasonable cause to reject her at the polls, but she is far better than that!
It is rather unfortunate that the U.S. neither has a candidate like Justin Trudeau, nor a 78 day (reasonably perceived as too long by most Canadians) election cycle!
I don't know a lot about Canadian politics; but I happen to have several Canadian coworkers: they have been dancing and highfiving everybody at the office the whole day, congratulating each other just like they had survived the black death and now everything is well with the world...
10
Last night, after Atlantic Canada was swept by the Liberals, I brashly predicted a majority win for the Liberals based on that 10%, but when it happened, I could hardly believe it. I realized I've been holding my breath for 9 long years.
Stephen Harper came to power because the Liberals had become an entitled, corrupt, and complacent body who never once considered the West because they didn't have to. Elections were over once polls closed in Ontario.
We used Stephen Harper from Calgary to chase the bums out of town and have been living with that pact with the devil ever since. With the left splitting the vote, Harper only needed 40% to win twice more. In that time he systematically began to dismantle Canada as we knew it. He adopted right wing policies on security and incarceration that were outdated in your country. He decimated libraries, muzzled scientists, defunded environmental departments, the public broadcaster CBC, and hid behind the staff he fired when thing got hot. I could go on, but enough. He's gone and you can probably hear the sigh of relief all the way to Texas.
Please no dissing our new Prime Minister for not being his father. What he is just fine - the man who kept his cool, kept to the message, surrounded himself with seasoned politicos, and succeeded in ridding us of a very hateful man. We are grateful and looking forward to the work that lies ahead which now can be done in freedom and transparency. At last!
Stephen Harper came to power because the Liberals had become an entitled, corrupt, and complacent body who never once considered the West because they didn't have to. Elections were over once polls closed in Ontario.
We used Stephen Harper from Calgary to chase the bums out of town and have been living with that pact with the devil ever since. With the left splitting the vote, Harper only needed 40% to win twice more. In that time he systematically began to dismantle Canada as we knew it. He adopted right wing policies on security and incarceration that were outdated in your country. He decimated libraries, muzzled scientists, defunded environmental departments, the public broadcaster CBC, and hid behind the staff he fired when thing got hot. I could go on, but enough. He's gone and you can probably hear the sigh of relief all the way to Texas.
Please no dissing our new Prime Minister for not being his father. What he is just fine - the man who kept his cool, kept to the message, surrounded himself with seasoned politicos, and succeeded in ridding us of a very hateful man. We are grateful and looking forward to the work that lies ahead which now can be done in freedom and transparency. At last!
19
This editorial quote from the October 19 issue of Macleans sums up my view of Harper's legacy:
"The Conservative government has been widely chastized for many underhanded, divisive and regrettable political manoeuvres. Here we include such things as omnibus legislation, the current niqab debate, the worrisome erosion of the quality of the census, and foolish "tough on crime" policies in the face of falling crime rates. Criticism on these grounds is entirely deserved. And yet, when it comes to many of the biggest and most important aspects of running a country, Harper has demonstrated a satisfying ability to get things right."
This observation was made in reference to Harper's announcement of the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, a historic one that put Canada in a promising trade position.
Canada has voted to change course but I am not sure that most of us are clear on where we will be heading instead. These are times where there is not much room to get things wrong when it comes to running deficits, changing our strategy against Islamic State (IS), or having leadership that lacks understanding of the historical context for various sociological, racial and cultural issues. Trudeau's campaign seemed shaky on all of the above.
I'm not entirely sure, either, that we didn't just trade one authoritarian leader for another--less than 2 years ago Trudeau got in hot water for saying he had admiration for China's "basic dictatorship." Ominous words for a past president's son.
"The Conservative government has been widely chastized for many underhanded, divisive and regrettable political manoeuvres. Here we include such things as omnibus legislation, the current niqab debate, the worrisome erosion of the quality of the census, and foolish "tough on crime" policies in the face of falling crime rates. Criticism on these grounds is entirely deserved. And yet, when it comes to many of the biggest and most important aspects of running a country, Harper has demonstrated a satisfying ability to get things right."
This observation was made in reference to Harper's announcement of the Trans-Pacific Partnership deal, a historic one that put Canada in a promising trade position.
Canada has voted to change course but I am not sure that most of us are clear on where we will be heading instead. These are times where there is not much room to get things wrong when it comes to running deficits, changing our strategy against Islamic State (IS), or having leadership that lacks understanding of the historical context for various sociological, racial and cultural issues. Trudeau's campaign seemed shaky on all of the above.
I'm not entirely sure, either, that we didn't just trade one authoritarian leader for another--less than 2 years ago Trudeau got in hot water for saying he had admiration for China's "basic dictatorship." Ominous words for a past president's son.
3
Thank you for your piece on our new Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau. I found your comments on his resume interesting, however, you failed to mention his advantages in this regard. His resume, after all, does not list Big Bank CEO, Hedge Fund Manager, or National Sports Hero, and thankfully others. I think he's off to a great start.
7
Sounds like the mirror image of George W. Bush.
3
Fifty years ago Pierre Elliot Trudeau was my member of parliament to compare his son to his father is simply folly. Justin Trudeau is the boy next door. His charm is his basic humanity and his understanding of the needs and desires of his working class immigrant constituents. I cannot imagine Pierre Elliot Trudeau interacting with the people that sent his son to parliament. Pierre Elliot Trudeau had a difficult time interacting with the people of his constituency who strived to see their children obtain the kind of education Pierre Elliot Trudeau thought was his birthright. I have no idea what the NYT is talking about when they describe Justin Trudeau's charisma except maybe in this day and age simple humanity and humility in a politician is somehow charismatic.
9
I am today proud to be Canadian. The nasty, evangelical Harper has been consigned to the dustbin of history. He will be recorded in the still short history of Canada as its worst and most destructive prime minister.
The man who has become King Trudeau II has matured greatly since assuming the Liberal party leadership in 2013. The most telling statistic from the campaign is that 4 million new, young voters marked their ballot for Mr. Trudeau.
As Canadians, we will get back our reasoned and compassionate country, leaving the hatred and spite of the Harper years to be quickly forgotten as we step into our brave new world.
And with the Canadian system having no term limits, Mr. Trudeau could well be prime minister for 25 years.
The man who has become King Trudeau II has matured greatly since assuming the Liberal party leadership in 2013. The most telling statistic from the campaign is that 4 million new, young voters marked their ballot for Mr. Trudeau.
As Canadians, we will get back our reasoned and compassionate country, leaving the hatred and spite of the Harper years to be quickly forgotten as we step into our brave new world.
And with the Canadian system having no term limits, Mr. Trudeau could well be prime minister for 25 years.
40
Let's hope he's PM for a good many years!
1
Let's hope he can revert on the disenfranchising of millions of Canadians who live outside the country but who continue to be citizens of Canada.
I am a McGill graduate, American citizen, born and raised in Ohio.
I was so ashamed (and puzzled) about Harper's rise to power and his staying power. O Canada?
But now the True North has emerged from a decade of darkness and shame. Yes, O Canada!!!
I was so ashamed (and puzzled) about Harper's rise to power and his staying power. O Canada?
But now the True North has emerged from a decade of darkness and shame. Yes, O Canada!!!
12
What's wrong with being a high school teacher? Lumping it among Trudeau's other jobs, like snowboard instructor, suggests it's a lightweight profession.
14
It might be instructive to consider another factor as well. Harper's conservative dogma has been no more capable of delivering on its promises than the American version has in this country. The difference is, it's only taken Canadians 10 years to learn that lesson. America is still in the thrall of Ronald Reagan. Perhaps the terrible example south of the border was all the warning Canadians needed to turn away from the failures of conservatism. Perhaps they will be the North Star we need to find the way out of our own political wilderness.
84
The right wing Christian caucus of the Conservatives would have been delighted to show the Tea Party what real committed bomb throwers could do to democracy. Another Conservative majority would have transformed Canada in a way that would have permanently changed us from a compassionate one to fascist one. We were already well on our way with the Party of One and his concentration of power in his office and making the parliament mere window dressing in our democracy. There is much work to be done repairing the damage he has already done.
1
A triumph of Canadian unexceptionalism. I refer, of course, to the brilliant New Yorker cartoon.
4
Your analysis is thick with celebrity-infused boot licking, but lacks any real analysis of the vote.
No one voted FOR Trudeau. They voted AGAINST Harper.
North America is now run by a former drama teacher and a community organizer. Bodes well for the future of our continent.
No one voted FOR Trudeau. They voted AGAINST Harper.
North America is now run by a former drama teacher and a community organizer. Bodes well for the future of our continent.
15
The community organizer in face of constant opposition and non cooperation has not done too bad. I am sure the former school teacher will do well for Canada.
The vote shows a level of maturity for the Canadian voters who could recognize the downward trajectory of their country and could correct it in ten years, while in U.S.A. the voters have not been able to shake loose the aura of a second rate actor even in the last thirty five years.
The vote shows a level of maturity for the Canadian voters who could recognize the downward trajectory of their country and could correct it in ten years, while in U.S.A. the voters have not been able to shake loose the aura of a second rate actor even in the last thirty five years.
1
The community organizer is doing a not bad job. JT's success will largely depend on his cabinet and making the tough decisions which may not always be popular. For this JT can take the example of Obama who has done just that in leading America out of the worst economic situation since the 1930's.
1
Dead-on observation. The boy-child Justin was the best of a very dismal selection of candidates, though not of the pathetic caliber of clown car horde of GOP contenders. Harper was becoming a full-blown fascist and was destroying Canada's international reputation with his boot-licking support of US Imperialism and Israeli terrorism. The man went so far as to try and make it a crime to criticize Israel or Zionism!
Justin Trudeau is utterly unqualified for our highest office: he may become our George W., a puppet in the hands of evil people. Please remember that the Liberal Party was almost totally wiped out in the previous election for their astonishing and arrogant level of corruption. Canadians traded a Dick Cheney for a Dan Quayle...
Justin Trudeau is utterly unqualified for our highest office: he may become our George W., a puppet in the hands of evil people. Please remember that the Liberal Party was almost totally wiped out in the previous election for their astonishing and arrogant level of corruption. Canadians traded a Dick Cheney for a Dan Quayle...
Something that is rarely mentioned in the highlights of Justin Trudeau's biography is that with his father, he travelled throughout our country, not only when his father was Prime Minister but also after (canoeing, hiking, exploring the wilderness). Given the size of our country, this is no small accomplishment and it laid the foundation, in life experience, for our new leader to care about preserving the environment among other goals. He has real life experience, not an ivory tower version.
38
It is important to remember that Justins father, PET was a well educated intellectual and a free spirit who during his early years and before he entered law school and eventually politics, drove around the country in his vintage convertible Mercedes, someone whom Americans could never conceive for a moment to eventually become leader of the country.
Frankly, while he was Prime Minister, he showed himself as being an extremely intelligent, yet, somewhat brash leader whom after he left politics and when discussing his interaction with U.S. Presidents and with his lack of patience on settling issues, stated quite unequivocally that Nixon and Johnson were not exactly the sharpest tacks in the box. Of course, Nixon and Johnson did not care for him much either.
Frankly, while he was Prime Minister, he showed himself as being an extremely intelligent, yet, somewhat brash leader whom after he left politics and when discussing his interaction with U.S. Presidents and with his lack of patience on settling issues, stated quite unequivocally that Nixon and Johnson were not exactly the sharpest tacks in the box. Of course, Nixon and Johnson did not care for him much either.
Canada remains an island of hope in this hemisphere, nearly barren of hope and its lubricant, questing intellectualism. Conservative leadership leans toward frosty denial and suspicion of anything that might redound to the commonweal. Liberalism is seen by many on the right as a used handkerchief. Prime Minister Harper seems to have copied a few pages from the manual How To Alienate Voters. The new prime minister will, no doubt, find opposition on the benches of Parliament but, his political lineage aside, he isn't likely to encounter Congressional-like hostility that threatens to bring Canada to its knees, a possibility all too within the Right's reach here below their border. Perhaps Mr. Trudeau's triumph will be the stones of progressivism starting a landslide in the U.S A. next year. One can only hope that Canadian-American ties will again rise above partisanship.
6
I just hope Mr. Justin Trudeau follows through on his promise to legalize marijuana. I believe it's very important to follow through on this policy which will be a test of his political integrity.
4
I have been active on the tragedy of poverty in Canada since the 60s, and while all parties are reprehensible in their ignoring of the poor, the Harper Party is alone in duplicity.
Most of the Canadian welfare state was created in five years between 63 and 68 by the extraordinary Liberal minority government of Lester Pearson, supported by the NDP.
One innovation was the National Council of Welfare, a council of both poor persons and experts charged with inquiring into poverty in all aspects and bringing solutions. Over the decades it published enough on income inequality to sate Bernie and went into realms of hidden corporate welfare.
Two of its annual publications were critical to understanding current poverty: Welfare Incomes; and Poverty Profile.
Harper abolished the Council. Who wants poor people to tell you about poverty. Comprehensive income and household statistics on poverty came from the census long form which went to every fifth household. Harper disappeared the poor by getting rid of the long form despite protests from provincial and municipal governments and the corporate sector.
Harper silenced anti-poverty groups by threatening their grants and charitable status. He silenced government experts by muzzling them and classifying reports. All communications had to be cleared through the prime minister's office. Not even ministers of the crown were allowed to speak freely.
Canada is celebrating its Day of National Liberation.
Most of the Canadian welfare state was created in five years between 63 and 68 by the extraordinary Liberal minority government of Lester Pearson, supported by the NDP.
One innovation was the National Council of Welfare, a council of both poor persons and experts charged with inquiring into poverty in all aspects and bringing solutions. Over the decades it published enough on income inequality to sate Bernie and went into realms of hidden corporate welfare.
Two of its annual publications were critical to understanding current poverty: Welfare Incomes; and Poverty Profile.
Harper abolished the Council. Who wants poor people to tell you about poverty. Comprehensive income and household statistics on poverty came from the census long form which went to every fifth household. Harper disappeared the poor by getting rid of the long form despite protests from provincial and municipal governments and the corporate sector.
Harper silenced anti-poverty groups by threatening their grants and charitable status. He silenced government experts by muzzling them and classifying reports. All communications had to be cleared through the prime minister's office. Not even ministers of the crown were allowed to speak freely.
Canada is celebrating its Day of National Liberation.
20
This editorial did not mention the significantly larger percentage of Canadian voters who actually voted in this election than voted in the previous ones. Mr. Harper's drubbing was done by Canadians who voted, not by a zealous minority who showed up for primary elections.
For those of us who envy the accomplishment of turning out a government which did not represent Canadian values, the lesson should be "Do what it takes to vote". Unfortunately the US does not have a Parliamentary system which means a unified legislative agenda comes with a new leader.
In the US voters need to turnout in large numbers to vote for a leader of the executive branch and also for the legislators to support that leader. So in the 2016 election, I hope more voters will demand action from senators and representatives to support the promises of a new President.
For those of us who envy the accomplishment of turning out a government which did not represent Canadian values, the lesson should be "Do what it takes to vote". Unfortunately the US does not have a Parliamentary system which means a unified legislative agenda comes with a new leader.
In the US voters need to turnout in large numbers to vote for a leader of the executive branch and also for the legislators to support that leader. So in the 2016 election, I hope more voters will demand action from senators and representatives to support the promises of a new President.
7
If Mr. Trudeau wishes to assure a Canadian Liberal future, he should relax immigration rules and allow people to migrate to Canada as a new liberal atmosphere there will attract foreigners of a liberal persuasion. An influx of predominantly liberal immigrants would make Canada a liberal leaning nation for several generations.
8
he has stated exactly that.
About 20-25 years, during the change of Hong Kong's status - Canada took in only immigrants who could demonstrate they had $250K to invest in the Canadian economy.....they have been far choosier about who enter than the USA - so YES open the doors to migration and fill that empty land up there!
hopefully the US will follow with Sanders...
16
Canada's version of George W. Bush, Stephen Harper, as well as Australia's, Tony Abbott, are now toast.
Meanwhile, it seems all too plausible that voters in the United States will insert someone even less thoughtful in the White House in 2016.
Meanwhile, it seems all too plausible that voters in the United States will insert someone even less thoughtful in the White House in 2016.
8
For TrudeauI I found myself rooting
It scares the Repubs here, darn tooting,
Perhaps by and by
A Bernie ally
To put both our Lands on new footing.
It scares the Repubs here, darn tooting,
Perhaps by and by
A Bernie ally
To put both our Lands on new footing.
25
In accordance with past practices, after a 10 year hiatus the Canadian electorate returned power to the Liberal party and theby moved to the center of the political spectrum.
Perhaps some of our U. S. A. Republican cousins who indulge in TEA ONLY will heed this important lesson.
Perhaps some of our U. S. A. Republican cousins who indulge in TEA ONLY will heed this important lesson.
9
I have at least some hope that we can do the same in this country. Let's get back to our values of caring for one another and the planet. I'm with Hillary.
6
Far left progressivism always sounds so great at the outset. It is especially potent when things are going poorly and people have come to doubt their ability to succeed as individuals. Nothing sounds better than an all-powerful progressive government. Let's legalize pot, get stoned and right all of society's wrongs. While we're at it, lets redistribute earned income according to our utopian views of fairness. Justin may have his father's last name, but the politician he most reminds me of is Alex Tsipras of Greece. For the sake of North American economic prosperity, lets hope reality puts him in check as fast as it did his Greek twin.
5
We've been redistributing earned income away from those who earned it (workers) and into the pockets of those who didn't earn it (investors) for 35 years here in the US. It's long past time we redistributed it back to those who earned it -- for the sake of economic prosperity.
"Far left progressivism"? You obviously don't know much about Canadian politics. The Liberals are a centrist party - we have two other major political parties much further left than Trudeau.
1
at there is hope there - we have no hope here with the so call "freedom caucus" and the GOP congress
Jerry
Jerry
1
Mr. Trudeau the younger has taught various courses in high school, including French and English. It is insulting that the editorial board considers this occupation "not...intellectual." Perhaps that is why teachers are not held in the same high intellectual esteem as, say, members of the editorial board of the NYTimes.
51
I can't think of anything less intellectual than high-school English class. They read books like 'To Kill A Mockingbird' and 'Of Mice and Men'.
Real intellectuals go to grad school and read Ulysses and Pound's Cantos.
Real intellectuals go to grad school and read Ulysses and Pound's Cantos.
2
Perhaps the Board was comparing him with his father....still, Trudeau is surely more intellectual than 99% of Congress
Any chance we can draft him as President?
10
After the Canadians enjoy him for 25 years, maybe... but first we will have to change our immigration (and other) laws... maybe we could just borrow him? ;-)
1
All politicians promise jobs, great economy and other good things. Few emphasize any kind of vision for what the country can be or should be. That is where Justin Trudeau differed from other politicians. He was the only one to talk about a generous, trusting and inclusive Canada where all citizens are respected and valued. No wonder he prevailed. May he succeed in delivering on his vision and hopes for our country and our people.
15
Trudeau has a brain trust deeper than that of any other Canadian leader past or present and though he will certainly make missteps from time to time he promises to grow into the big job he's now won in part because of his intellectual curiosity (a trait he does share with his late father) but even more because of his true love for our great country sea to sea to sea. This is a happy day!
32
In a democracy dependence on politicians to turn the country in one direction or another is an abdication of personal responsibility by the electorate. The fact is, Canada turned right by electing Harper; Harper did not turn Canada right by being elected. Now Canadians have changed their minds and turned leftward, and so signaled by putting Trudeau and the Liberals in power. Canadians, as a nation and individuals, must accept the responsibility of both choices.
6
I agree with your point about personal responsibility, but you don't have an understanding of parliamentary democracy or Canada's multiparty system. As noted in the article, the far left NDP lost as many seats as the conservatives. Harper's party never got more than 40% of the popular vote in any election. Vote splitting of the left and left of center is the only reason he got power, and his abuse of it is why he got turfed.
1
No, Harper did not respect his initial platform....He is the one who changed by becoming a US poodle and controlled by outsiders, especially in foreign policy.
Well, look at like this, at least in Canada, unlike the U.S., we DO have a choice.
1
Stephen Harper, the great Canadian 'Republican' disgrace and embarrassment to Canadian decency, is now set out to pasture to graze in the polluted, toxic Albertan tar sands that he holds so near and dear to his blackened heart of darkness.
You won't be missed, Mr. Harper.
Thanks for saving a nation. Mr. Trudeau.
Your father would be quite proud of you.
You won't be missed, Mr. Harper.
Thanks for saving a nation. Mr. Trudeau.
Your father would be quite proud of you.
56
" ... he had been a snowboard instructor, high school teacher and nightclub bouncer (he remains a keen amateur boxer."
So why not just go with Leonard Cohen or Juistin Bieber instead?
So why not just go with Leonard Cohen or Juistin Bieber instead?
4
The conflation of "high school teacher" and "nightclub bouncer" as if the two jobs were equally devoid of intellectual requirements has been called out by another poster, as it should have been.
1
No matter how one views the election it is important to note that the progressive vote was almost 70% (split amongst the Liberals, NDP, the Greens, and the BQ). The strident ideology-based government of Harper never had any more than 30% of the popular vote (one should also recall that Harper's first two terms were minority governments and his ideological bent was much tempered owing to having to work with the Liberals and NDP). Once Canadians got a full flavour of Harper (with a majority mandate) they recoiled. And that is what I find most heartening about a country I love - that we are progressives at heart.
It is also important to note that much about Harper is over-stated. He inherited a budget surplus from the Liberals, which he squandered; this is the same Harper, when in opposition, pushed for Canada's participation in the 2003 neo-con invasion of Iraq (and we all know how well that went); he also pushed for de-regulation of banks (our tough regulatory framework saved us from the worst effects of the 2008 financial crisis). Can you imagine where Canada would have been had he been in charge in 2003 and when Canadian banks where pushing the government of Paul Martin to deregulate. I shudder. The man was a narrow-minded, ideologically-driven PM who tried to make Canada in his image - and has been soundly thrashed. Good riddance.
It is also important to note that much about Harper is over-stated. He inherited a budget surplus from the Liberals, which he squandered; this is the same Harper, when in opposition, pushed for Canada's participation in the 2003 neo-con invasion of Iraq (and we all know how well that went); he also pushed for de-regulation of banks (our tough regulatory framework saved us from the worst effects of the 2008 financial crisis). Can you imagine where Canada would have been had he been in charge in 2003 and when Canadian banks where pushing the government of Paul Martin to deregulate. I shudder. The man was a narrow-minded, ideologically-driven PM who tried to make Canada in his image - and has been soundly thrashed. Good riddance.
48
"...before he entered politics in 2007, he had been a snowboard instructor, high school teacher and nightclub bouncer"
But he has that famous last name, which is really all that mattered.
BTW, a 'sweeping victory' with 39% of the vote? Gotta love the metric system.
But he has that famous last name, which is really all that mattered.
BTW, a 'sweeping victory' with 39% of the vote? Gotta love the metric system.
6
Justin Trudeau got 54% with 184 out of 338 seats. 170 seats were necessary for a victory. 54% is significant because there were 5 parties. Harper got 28% with 99 seats; NDP 13% with 44 seats;Bloc Quebecois, 3% with 10 seats and Green Party, 1 seat, 0%.
Read the comment above (from PS): It appears Harper (yours guy?) never garnered more than 30 percent of the popular vote. This time, 39 percent went for Trudeau so ... Do you need someone to help you clean up your your party's spilled milk? (And do you wish the bank deregulation advocates had got what they wanted back in 2000-2003?)
This is not the US.....Canada has the British system...and the number of seats determine the PM.....from 34 seats to 184 and a majority, that's sweeping. Sorry, but other nations have other systems than US.....dysfunctional way
Maybe I don't know what I am talking about, but I don't think Mr. Trudeau's father has much to do -- beyond possibly Justin's early education as his father's son -- with his being leader of the Liberal party or the Liberals' impressive election performance.
Canadian culture is a lot different from American culture; above all it revolves around patience with other people's points of view and listening to what they have to say. American culture by comparison is aggressive and authoritarian, qualities that defined Stephen Harper's government and deeply offended Canadians of all political stripes.
The question was which party was going to replace Harper's Conservatives. The NDP's position on the niqab as voiced by Mr. Mulcair was too assertively pro for the Canadian electorate, I think, but Mr. Trudeau's couching the Liberal position in terms of tolerance, diversity, and inclusiveness allowed to Canadians to own for themselves -- rather than have dictated to them -- that everyone has a right to their cultural and religious identities.
This doesn't have anything to do with Justin's father and expresses a thoroughly Canadian attitude.
Canadian culture is a lot different from American culture; above all it revolves around patience with other people's points of view and listening to what they have to say. American culture by comparison is aggressive and authoritarian, qualities that defined Stephen Harper's government and deeply offended Canadians of all political stripes.
The question was which party was going to replace Harper's Conservatives. The NDP's position on the niqab as voiced by Mr. Mulcair was too assertively pro for the Canadian electorate, I think, but Mr. Trudeau's couching the Liberal position in terms of tolerance, diversity, and inclusiveness allowed to Canadians to own for themselves -- rather than have dictated to them -- that everyone has a right to their cultural and religious identities.
This doesn't have anything to do with Justin's father and expresses a thoroughly Canadian attitude.
52
Thanks Bill, I agree and think that Canadians who voted Liberal were not having some sort of nostalgic moment about Trudeau pere from when he last held office 30 years ago. The NYT's suggested that this is a political dynasty. It is not. There was some nonsense about Trudeaumania, it was not. I don't think the niqab issue had much traction, most people were far more fed up than that.
Canadians voted to get rid of the Harper regime - full stop.
Some ethnic communities voted Liberal because of past affiliations. It was interesting to read The Times of India today. There were nonsense comments, but amidst them were expressions of heartfelt belief that Canada was a good country for those who lived in it, including the emigrants from the Punjab who had been elected to office yesterday.
Other Canadians voted Liberal because the party name still inspired some confidence, and because there is still some anxiety that the NDP, who have only a short history as a federal presence were perceived to be less trustworthy.
Other Canadians, most of the ones I know, voted strategically to accomplish ABC (anybody but conservative). I met an astonishing number who did this, and despite the usual Canadian reticence, were quite willing to start a discussion about it with a stranger!
We did it. The folks in the US can too. They have a golden candidate with a golden mandate. If I could have voted for Bernie Sanders I would have felt a whole lot better about the whole thing.
Canadians voted to get rid of the Harper regime - full stop.
Some ethnic communities voted Liberal because of past affiliations. It was interesting to read The Times of India today. There were nonsense comments, but amidst them were expressions of heartfelt belief that Canada was a good country for those who lived in it, including the emigrants from the Punjab who had been elected to office yesterday.
Other Canadians voted Liberal because the party name still inspired some confidence, and because there is still some anxiety that the NDP, who have only a short history as a federal presence were perceived to be less trustworthy.
Other Canadians, most of the ones I know, voted strategically to accomplish ABC (anybody but conservative). I met an astonishing number who did this, and despite the usual Canadian reticence, were quite willing to start a discussion about it with a stranger!
We did it. The folks in the US can too. They have a golden candidate with a golden mandate. If I could have voted for Bernie Sanders I would have felt a whole lot better about the whole thing.
1
Beyond a voter fatigue led anti-incumbency vote for the Liberal party led by Justin Trudeau, a new but untested face, nothing more should be read in the Canadian general election outcome, nor the declared liberal shift to the governance should account for much than a mere airing of political rhetoric by a political novice who has successfully capitalised the legacy of his father, the former PM Pierre Trudeau. The real leadership test for Justin Treudau lies in coming days.
6
Thank you for your sensible comment.
1
Thanks, Nancy!
Really Sharma? You can tell that from the back waters of Jaipur which is corrupt and full of hate?
As I remember from a political science course many years ago, Canada has a tradition of throwing the bums out every decade or so.
It has taken a few years under a "Conservative" government, for the them to see just how destructive the conservative philosophy is.
The conservatives talk a god game, and are able to convince people life will be better under them. I usually takes a few years for the citizens to learn their lesson.
In the U.S. there is a large contingent of voters who either have forgotten what conservative government bring, or did not live under one. Conservatives are the firs to cut spending to libraries, schools, the arts as it keeps people from learning about them. The Canadians seem to have better memories and know their history. At least it looks that way from my perspective.
It has taken a few years under a "Conservative" government, for the them to see just how destructive the conservative philosophy is.
The conservatives talk a god game, and are able to convince people life will be better under them. I usually takes a few years for the citizens to learn their lesson.
In the U.S. there is a large contingent of voters who either have forgotten what conservative government bring, or did not live under one. Conservatives are the firs to cut spending to libraries, schools, the arts as it keeps people from learning about them. The Canadians seem to have better memories and know their history. At least it looks that way from my perspective.
54
Best typo ever: "The conservatives talk a god game." Well done, Mr Underwood's Subconscious. Bravo!
I wonder if that's as true in Canada as it is in the US?
I wonder if that's as true in Canada as it is in the US?
1
Don't confuse conservative with Republican.
Conservatives understand the value of long-term investing in infra-structure whether large like Eisenhower's Interstate Highway System or small like libraries.
Conservatives understand the value of long-term investing in infra-structure whether large like Eisenhower's Interstate Highway System or small like libraries.
This editorial goes a long way to show just how much Americans know or don't know about their most important trading partner, their best friend, and a friendly supplier of energy. Justin Trudeau's father never practiced law. Stephen Harper's government did not ban women from wearing face coverings during citizenship ceremonies (the courts forbade the government to enforce that), and the memory of his father though respected by many was certainly not respected by all (especially in Western Canada) This election demonstrated that Canada had had enough of Stephen Harper. His Conservative Party will have to be more inclusive and more sophisticated in its approach than Mr. Harper ever was.
50
Not being able to ban face scarves, and trying real hard to enforce such a ban, are hardly the same things.
I don't think it's fair to say this editorial demonstrates ignorance of Canada. Pierre Trudeau was called to the Quebec bar in 1943, and while I'm not sure if he actually actively practiced law, he was also an associate professor of law in the early 1960s. In any case, being called to the bar means that he met the legal definition of a "lawyer".
As for saying that the Conservative government never banned women from wearing niqabs on the basis that the courts prevented enforcement - that seems pretty nuanced to me. I think it'd be more accurate to say that they did ban it but were not able to enforce the ban. Given that this editorial is pretty short, I don't blame them for not mentioning that.
As for saying that the Conservative government never banned women from wearing niqabs on the basis that the courts prevented enforcement - that seems pretty nuanced to me. I think it'd be more accurate to say that they did ban it but were not able to enforce the ban. Given that this editorial is pretty short, I don't blame them for not mentioning that.
1
John English is the only biographer to have had access to Pierre Trudeau's extensive private papers, including his very intimate and revelatory letters and diaries. Trudeau did practice law for a short time between graduating from law school and starting but not completing two (!) PhD programs at Harvard and LSE. His most interesting dissertation topic was Christianity and Communism. He did practice law later as a pro bono counsellor to the Quebec labour movement, but was never a "star lawyer" as stated in the Times. (Moderator: I was the source of the correction on Laurier already noted.)
Trudeau was blacklisted by the Quebec Duplessis regime as well as by the U.S. government for his trips to Cuba. He worked in the Privy Council Office as a senior cabinet adviser and then as a constitutional law professor in Quebec once Duplessis was gone. He was a pre-eminent public intellectual, and founder of the Cite Libre journal, and was a member of the social democratic NDP before being recruited in 1965 by Prime Minister Pearson as one of the "three wise men", the others being Gerard Pelletier, editor of Le Devoir, and Jean Marchand, head of the Quebec labour federation. All entered cabinet, Trudeau as justice minister.
Pierre Trudeau was an extraordinary man who led an extraordinary life. Arrested in Egypt as a suspected spy, he convinced Egyptian intelligence he was insane by quoting Racine he had memorized: there are many such astounding stories about this compelling man.
Trudeau was blacklisted by the Quebec Duplessis regime as well as by the U.S. government for his trips to Cuba. He worked in the Privy Council Office as a senior cabinet adviser and then as a constitutional law professor in Quebec once Duplessis was gone. He was a pre-eminent public intellectual, and founder of the Cite Libre journal, and was a member of the social democratic NDP before being recruited in 1965 by Prime Minister Pearson as one of the "three wise men", the others being Gerard Pelletier, editor of Le Devoir, and Jean Marchand, head of the Quebec labour federation. All entered cabinet, Trudeau as justice minister.
Pierre Trudeau was an extraordinary man who led an extraordinary life. Arrested in Egypt as a suspected spy, he convinced Egyptian intelligence he was insane by quoting Racine he had memorized: there are many such astounding stories about this compelling man.
2
I would much rather have a school teacher as president than a lawyer, thank you very much (although it won't happen here in my lifetime). At the very least, it shows empathy and compassion, as well as an understanding of how most people live.
Justin Trudeau, as far as I can tell, worked as a snowboard instructor and nightclub bouncer while he completed his studies in literature at McGill University. (I suppose that's hard to imagine for the NYT editorial board, since over here, our political leaders tend to be so wealthy that they have no need to work while they get their law degrees.) Why do you neglect to include that he also studied engineering for two years? And what is so wrong with preferring boxing to golf?
Bringing the Liberal party back from the brink of extinction is accomplishment enough. I have great hopes for Canada's new prime minister!
Justin Trudeau, as far as I can tell, worked as a snowboard instructor and nightclub bouncer while he completed his studies in literature at McGill University. (I suppose that's hard to imagine for the NYT editorial board, since over here, our political leaders tend to be so wealthy that they have no need to work while they get their law degrees.) Why do you neglect to include that he also studied engineering for two years? And what is so wrong with preferring boxing to golf?
Bringing the Liberal party back from the brink of extinction is accomplishment enough. I have great hopes for Canada's new prime minister!
350
HG, just so you know, & the Editorial Board knows, the current Pope worked as a bouncer too. Look where he is now!
20
I firmly believe that time spent as a community organizer should be a requirement for anyone to enter politics. In this work a person will get to know people intimately, get to know their struggles and what the 'system' can do for them. The work of a community organizer gets very close to people and their lives.
Barack Obama did this work for 3 years after graduating Columbia University and before he went to Harvard. It was in the neighborhoods of Chicago that Obama fine tuned his concern for average folks. I believe that Obama's time spent as a community organizer defined and informed him about what was important in people's lives.
I believe that an intimate and real understanding of the 'common man' is essential to be a political leader. We have all suffered from leaders who were out of touch with this 'common man.'
Barack Obama did this work for 3 years after graduating Columbia University and before he went to Harvard. It was in the neighborhoods of Chicago that Obama fine tuned his concern for average folks. I believe that Obama's time spent as a community organizer defined and informed him about what was important in people's lives.
I believe that an intimate and real understanding of the 'common man' is essential to be a political leader. We have all suffered from leaders who were out of touch with this 'common man.'
15
Dear H.G.
We have had school teachers elected President of the United States in the past so there is hope that we will see another one some day. Lyndon Johnson was an educator before his congressional career, teaching in Pearsall, Texas and in Houston. And Woodrow Wilson had a PhD in Political Science and worked as a college professor at Cornell University, Bryn Mawr College, and Wesleyan University, among others, before he was chosen to be the President of Princeton University.
We have had school teachers elected President of the United States in the past so there is hope that we will see another one some day. Lyndon Johnson was an educator before his congressional career, teaching in Pearsall, Texas and in Houston. And Woodrow Wilson had a PhD in Political Science and worked as a college professor at Cornell University, Bryn Mawr College, and Wesleyan University, among others, before he was chosen to be the President of Princeton University.
1
Is much as he liked to drape himself with his national flag, Harper's vision of society was largely inspired by foreign influences (such as US Republicanism).
The majority of Canadians see government as the executive arm of the community, not as a force to be constrained.
The majority of Canadians see government as the executive arm of the community, not as a force to be constrained.
133
So they like getting hand outs and being controlled by government is that what you are saying.
1
How about that my fellow Amerikans? the executive arm of the community?
Ya mean, not the organized force to repress the community, spy on it, record all of its meta data & calls & emails and probably every bit of online everything?
imprison the largest proportion of its population of any country on earth? maintain the largest military presence & the most bases and countries in the world and exercise death sentences by drone without charges judges juries or other time-wasting flotsam or jetsam? shoot and kill disproportionate unarmed young members of its communities?
get in its bedrooms and tell folks what god wants them to do or not do in there? get in the room between women and their doctors? tell people who they can and can't marry? what they can and can't consent to smoke? who gets healthcare and who doesn't?
while suppressing scientific and other truth in the service of who and what? certainly not the Amerikan community.
Ya mean, not the organized force to repress the community, spy on it, record all of its meta data & calls & emails and probably every bit of online everything?
imprison the largest proportion of its population of any country on earth? maintain the largest military presence & the most bases and countries in the world and exercise death sentences by drone without charges judges juries or other time-wasting flotsam or jetsam? shoot and kill disproportionate unarmed young members of its communities?
get in its bedrooms and tell folks what god wants them to do or not do in there? get in the room between women and their doctors? tell people who they can and can't marry? what they can and can't consent to smoke? who gets healthcare and who doesn't?
while suppressing scientific and other truth in the service of who and what? certainly not the Amerikan community.
Steven Harper would be at home on the far right of the Republican Party. He represented a hard-core of far right Canadians but actively tried to undermine the values that most Canadians have held for generations. He made Canada an international pariah on climate change, was actively hostile to Palestinians, and participated in violent and militaristic foreign actions. At home, he cut taxes and used the lack of revenue to starve the federal government of its capacity to support Canadian society. He fomented division, sinking down to the depths of deliberately attacking Muslims, an act that no Canadian government before would ever have contemplated. He abused the parliamentary process, silenced Canadian scientists, undermined the ability of the state to gather information to make policy, and was driven by a narrow and vicious ideology. There are other politicians like Harper who have emerged in the Anglo-American world - notably Tony Abbott in Australia - but few were as hard-core as Harper.
Harper needed to go. Hopefully, what he represents will never be back. Trudeau won as much because people grew sick of the meanness and abuse of power practiced by Harper.
Harper needed to go. Hopefully, what he represents will never be back. Trudeau won as much because people grew sick of the meanness and abuse of power practiced by Harper.
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I will pray for Canada if he is anything like the liberal/socialist we have had for 7 years. I have a feeling you will be complaining in about 5 years or less. I won't say I told you so.
Thank you, Shaun.
1
I've never been a fan of Stephen Harper, but reality is always more complicated. Harper squashed social conservatives in his own party who tried to raise issues of abortion and gay rights with the hope of changing Canada's longstanding liberal policies regarding both. Hardly far right Republican activity on Harper's part. He cut taxes but also raised government spending rather sharply at first and more slowly since to record levels: (http://www.cbc.ca/news/multimedia/canada-s-deficits-and-surpluses-1963-t.... Canada's participation in the war in Afghanistan was begun by the previous Liberal government and was simply continued by Harper until he withdrew Canadian troops. And that war was the war Barack Obama campaigned in favour of in 2008. The other conflict Harper had Canada participate in is the war against ISIS, which again rather obviously is President Obama's war, so that Harper was simply acting in support of President Obama's policies.
I remember other Liberal promises, such as ending the Goods and Services Tax (GST). I remember a US presidential candidate who said "yes we can." I look forward to the realization of the hope promised this time around.
7
That's funny. I remember that yes, we can drag the nation out of economic collapse, get at least some economic stimulus passed, start us on the road to a rational health care system, get out of Iraq, get rid of bin Laden and Quaddafi, work out an argreement to limit Iran's nuclear program, get a massive trade agreement done, do something about global warming...
1
His father was also a journalist--a calling followed by Justin's younger brother.
As for the intellect of either son--acorns don't fall far from the tree.
Youthful bouncer, snowboard instructor are hardly IQ tests.
And these comments imply prejudice against teachers!
The campaign and its debates were more of a test. Which he passed with flying colors--making Harper seem wooden brained.
As for the intellect of either son--acorns don't fall far from the tree.
Youthful bouncer, snowboard instructor are hardly IQ tests.
And these comments imply prejudice against teachers!
The campaign and its debates were more of a test. Which he passed with flying colors--making Harper seem wooden brained.
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Yes the son is not the father. But the editorial omits to mention two important facts:
First, the election on Monday was not only an overwhelming vote by Canadians who supported the new leader Justin Trudeau’s values and policy proposals which support all Canadians over other choices but a protest vote against the former Prime Minister Harper.
The main thrust of the surprising election results Monday was an opportunity for Canadians to “Throw the Conservative bums out” !!!
There is a message here for all American voters in the 2016 Federal election with respect to the Republican controlled Congress and Senate:
“Throw the Republican bums out” !!!
Second, past American-Canadian relations have always soured whenever our leaders were of different political persuasions; the leaders hated each other and little was accomplished.
Kennedy (Democrat) hated Diefenbaker (Conservative)
Nixon (Republican) hated Pierre Elliot Trudeau (Liberal – Justin Trudeau’s father) and
Obama (Democrat) had a frigid relationship with Harper (Conservative)
Let’s hope that with the realignment of the planets in the politics of our two leaders, Obama (Democrat) and Justin Trudeau (Liberal), this will result in a positive relationship and the rebuilding of constructive policies that will help to grow our two countries.
Our two countries have shared the longest peaceful and sharing relationship of all countries in the world. Let’s keep this positive history working.
First, the election on Monday was not only an overwhelming vote by Canadians who supported the new leader Justin Trudeau’s values and policy proposals which support all Canadians over other choices but a protest vote against the former Prime Minister Harper.
The main thrust of the surprising election results Monday was an opportunity for Canadians to “Throw the Conservative bums out” !!!
There is a message here for all American voters in the 2016 Federal election with respect to the Republican controlled Congress and Senate:
“Throw the Republican bums out” !!!
Second, past American-Canadian relations have always soured whenever our leaders were of different political persuasions; the leaders hated each other and little was accomplished.
Kennedy (Democrat) hated Diefenbaker (Conservative)
Nixon (Republican) hated Pierre Elliot Trudeau (Liberal – Justin Trudeau’s father) and
Obama (Democrat) had a frigid relationship with Harper (Conservative)
Let’s hope that with the realignment of the planets in the politics of our two leaders, Obama (Democrat) and Justin Trudeau (Liberal), this will result in a positive relationship and the rebuilding of constructive policies that will help to grow our two countries.
Our two countries have shared the longest peaceful and sharing relationship of all countries in the world. Let’s keep this positive history working.
158
"Let’s hope that with the realignment of the planets in the politics of our two leaders, Obama (Democrat) and Justin Trudeau (Liberal), this will result in a positive relationship and the rebuilding of constructive policies that will help to grow our two countries."
Maybe, Trudeau will actually be worthy of the Noble Prize..........eh?
Maybe, Trudeau will actually be worthy of the Noble Prize..........eh?
7
Yeah tell me how happy you are going to be in about 5 years. You can keep your liberal/socialist views up there we don't want it anymore in the US.
1
Gary O'Brien, not so fast pal! A new wave is evolving in our deadbeat Republican Party. The outstanding Trump is not in anyone's pocket like most of them are, and does not owe anything to anyone and standing tall even if the NY Times doesn't like it! He is the only one who knows how to provide jobs and build and repair our infrastructure. Having jobs will result in less crime and people will walk around with pride making America Great Again. He is smart enough to fit in the existing machinery in Washington D.C. and fire a few, hire a few...that he can do. No more lame dynasties of Bush and Clinton.
3
One would think that the voters of a supposedly literate population in a supposed democracy like Canada -- and the USA -- would be able to find a good leader somewhere among its tens of millions of citizens who is not part of some political family dynasty -- like the Trudeaus, or the Bushes, or the Clintons. But then, perhaps even supposedly literate populations are really not well-suited for democracy and, in fact, are no better than hopeless half-illiterate supposed democracies like India (the Gandhis) or the Phillippines (the Aquinos) or indeed even a more literate supposed democracy like South Korea (the Parks) -- almost puts us all on a level more like supposed pariahs like North Korea (3 generations of Kim Il Sung and son and grandson) or the Syria (the Assads), or Saudi Arabia (which even bears the name of its ruling Saud family).
14
I have some sympathy with this view. No doubt being "born on third" does confer a huge advantage that some people are able to capitalise on. At the very least Justin seems like a decent person who doesn't think he hit a triple. Time will tell how competent he is.
1
Justin Trudeau became leader of our Liberal Party because his name is Trudeau and he is the unTrudeau. After 10 years of Harper, Canada was ready for a non intellectual, humble apolitical leader who never sought public office. We chose Justin Trudeau precisely because he never sought to be a political leader but carried a name that denoted leadership abilities. Canadians watched Justin grow up and we knew he wasn't his father, we knew he wasn't his maternal grandfather he was just an ordinary simple Canadian father and school teacher wanting to see his country and its people prosper. I wish words like charismatic were not used to describe a man who is simply just one of us middle class working stiffs who happened to be there when we needed him.
29
Obama & Clinton were not part of political family dynasties... careful with those broad strokes: there's hope (and change, maybe).
1
The simple fact is Canadians were fed up with the heavy-handed, arrogant divisiveness of Stephen Harper and the Conservatives. He and his party do not represent the values and aspirations of the majority of Canadians. Sixty percent of Canadians did NOT vote for the Conservatives in 2011. In this election through 'strategic voting'--and to the unfortunate detriment of the NDP and Greens--Canadians worked together to rid the country of this government. This was an election for the soul of Canada. My belief is that Canadians won!
267
I doubt it - look at the condition of the US after crazy ideas from a liberal/socialists. You have no idea how unhappy most Americans are with the lack of leadership we have had from Obama
1
While I agree that Canadians were looking for a change (and a change was due), 60% of Canadians did not vote for the Liberals.
Hoping that the Liberals keep that in mind.
Always amazing how Liberal folks lose their memories of previous positions (eg Conservatives not legit because of their less than majority total polling, demanding deficit spending through the recession - both reasonable but please be consistent)
Hoping that the Liberals keep that in mind.
Always amazing how Liberal folks lose their memories of previous positions (eg Conservatives not legit because of their less than majority total polling, demanding deficit spending through the recession - both reasonable but please be consistent)
Sixty percent of Canadians did NOT vote for the Liberals in 2015.
It's nice that the Times Editorial Board has taken note of (and applauds) yesterday's events in Canada. However, where have they been all along in guiding the editorial direction of the paper regarding that country?
Sadly, 99.99% of all the information regarding Canada in Times articles the past two days is new to 99% of all Americans. As a people, we are much better informed about life and politics in Germany, Saudi Arabia, China, and many other places than by our neighbor with whom we share 5000 miles of common border.
Does a country have to be problematic to be noticed? While it is probably true as an element of human nature that "problems" -- whether real or imagined -- grab our attention, one would expect the Times, as an element of its journalistic responsibility, to lead and not simply mirror this proclivity. There are ample other sources for primarily covering the sensational.
The Times' routine coverage of Canada, its people, culture, and politics, does preciously little to disabuse the typical American view of that nation as a wholly-owned subsidiary of America Inc. or as simply America Lite.
Maybe Canada should send some Mounties across the border in the Minnesota north and claim four square feet of American soil. That would most certainly get it a lot more coverage than it does now. Not to mention lots of attention as a major issue in the Republican Presidential debates.
Sadly, 99.99% of all the information regarding Canada in Times articles the past two days is new to 99% of all Americans. As a people, we are much better informed about life and politics in Germany, Saudi Arabia, China, and many other places than by our neighbor with whom we share 5000 miles of common border.
Does a country have to be problematic to be noticed? While it is probably true as an element of human nature that "problems" -- whether real or imagined -- grab our attention, one would expect the Times, as an element of its journalistic responsibility, to lead and not simply mirror this proclivity. There are ample other sources for primarily covering the sensational.
The Times' routine coverage of Canada, its people, culture, and politics, does preciously little to disabuse the typical American view of that nation as a wholly-owned subsidiary of America Inc. or as simply America Lite.
Maybe Canada should send some Mounties across the border in the Minnesota north and claim four square feet of American soil. That would most certainly get it a lot more coverage than it does now. Not to mention lots of attention as a major issue in the Republican Presidential debates.
88
Didn't you mean a half a square meter?
2
Steve, I am 100% sympathetic with your criticism of our media's provincialism. But given the power of the American media, & the principles on which it runs, if they paid serious attention to Canada I'd be more fearful they would turn Canada into another narcissistic right-wing fantasy world, than hopeful that their reporting might provide a dose of reality to Americans.
Canada has long been the USA's biggest bilateral trading partner, a fact that many Americans find hard to believe. And the ignorance about our country by many Americans is a continual source of frustration. NYT readers are probably head and shoulders above most Americans in this regard.
3
Thank 'God' America lost the War of 1812 to the British.
Otherwise, there'd be no liberal, progressive Canada today to remind the United States what a civilized democracy actually looks like in the flesh.
The fact that Neo-Con Stephen Harper was able to hoodwink Canadians into nine years of conservative darkness is frightening, but at least Canada had another Trudeau up its sleeve to steer the country back toward the common good.
May Justin Trudeau lead Canada with all the good liberal wisdom his father Pierre led Canada with for many, many years.
"Liberalism is the philosophy for our time, because it does not try to conserve every tradition of the past, because it does not apply to new problems the old doctrinaire solutions, because it is prepared to experiment and innovate and because it knows that the past is less important than the future."
"We are in the extreme center, the radical middle. That is our position. "
--- Pierre Trudeau
Otherwise, there'd be no liberal, progressive Canada today to remind the United States what a civilized democracy actually looks like in the flesh.
The fact that Neo-Con Stephen Harper was able to hoodwink Canadians into nine years of conservative darkness is frightening, but at least Canada had another Trudeau up its sleeve to steer the country back toward the common good.
May Justin Trudeau lead Canada with all the good liberal wisdom his father Pierre led Canada with for many, many years.
"Liberalism is the philosophy for our time, because it does not try to conserve every tradition of the past, because it does not apply to new problems the old doctrinaire solutions, because it is prepared to experiment and innovate and because it knows that the past is less important than the future."
"We are in the extreme center, the radical middle. That is our position. "
--- Pierre Trudeau
224
His first two terms were minority governments - once we got a taste of Harper as leader of a majority, we booted him out . . .
2
Amen!
2
he hoodwinked no one. his first two stints were because he had a plurality of seats but not a majority so had to be careful. when he thought he'd lose an important vote in parliament he prorogued it. and when he won a majority of seats last time he had less than 40% of the vote--as Justin trudeau did this time. however, most of the anti harper votes for parties to the left of harper this time went over to the libs to get rid of harper.
2
All of Canada is now on a first name basis with our PM. I have shoes older than Justin, and I didn't vote for him, but what the article misses is that the only way Harper could have been so roundly ousted was with a majority, and the Liberals won. So did Canada. The extreme damage done to our libraries, scientists, coast guard, not to mention our international reputation will take a long, long time to repair. The best news is, Justin has many excellent and experienced people to choose from for his cabinet. Let's just hope he keeps his election promises.
187
As an American, I studied and took my degree at McGill in the 90s. While it is true that Stephen Harper damaged Canada's good standing, kind dialogue, and peaceful comity in the world, you would be surprised at how quickly those repairs you speak of can be made, at least on a citizen-to-citizen level. Canada's reputation is now already repaired in my eyes, but living up to that reputation will be the mark of returning to the fold of civil and decent countries.
2
lots of luck....we've been enjoying 'Hop & Change' for some seven years now LOL
To all the inevitable comments that will say that America will soon follow the liberal turn of events in Canada I say this is a pendulum like reaction to 10 years of conservative leadership. America will have had 8 years of liberal Obama policies by the next election and the pendulum will not doubt swing in the conservative direction. One only has to look at Europe (except Greece) to see how unpopular liberal policies are and how Europe is increasingly moving to the right.
12
Satire, I like that... Obama is about as liberal as Bush. He's more worried about his 'legacy' with TPP than helping people by fighting for a higher minimum wage, etc.
26
Agree totally. The Canadians will change their thoughts again.
3
As an upstart Community Organizer, married to an extremely pushy wife, that is all he has left to prove to her, his legacy, and a library to boot! The he is only proving his mantra "Yes We Can"! What a waste!!!
5
Won't be long before the GOPers start demanding we build a fence up North too! Keep them dang libruls up there and don't let them in! Close the border!
Will Donald come out and say that he has never trusted a Canadian? Will Donald want a wall up North as "Bookends" for America?
Will Repubs take this laying down? I don't know...they first need to get out of the fetal position....
Will Donald come out and say that he has never trusted a Canadian? Will Donald want a wall up North as "Bookends" for America?
Will Repubs take this laying down? I don't know...they first need to get out of the fetal position....
70
Wisconsin's Walker flew that balloon. It never got off the ground.
21
Just like Scotty...but I wish someone would beam him up.
6
I would rather have Mexicans than Canadians any day of the week.
Great news that the toxic Harper is gone, but let's hope Mr Trudeau doesn't disappoint as much as another telegenic young leader, overturning a Conservative hegemony did.
You can think of either Tony Blair or Barack Obama here, but Blair'd be worse, all things considered.
You can think of either Tony Blair or Barack Obama here, but Blair'd be worse, all things considered.
31
Malcolm,
I don't know why words like telegenic and charismatic keep coming up for a man who avoid the cameras and the public scrutiny his entire adult life. Canada went after Justin Trudeau and he is probably the most surprised person on the planet finding himself in a job that most people like himself would find most unwelcoming. Maybe America should go looking for leaders who just love their country but are not looking to lead it it would seem a great improvement over many of those who seek public office..
I don't know why words like telegenic and charismatic keep coming up for a man who avoid the cameras and the public scrutiny his entire adult life. Canada went after Justin Trudeau and he is probably the most surprised person on the planet finding himself in a job that most people like himself would find most unwelcoming. Maybe America should go looking for leaders who just love their country but are not looking to lead it it would seem a great improvement over many of those who seek public office..
1
Remind yourself of Steve's First Rule of Politics: All politicians will disappoint you.
Congratulations to Canada. But, be prepared for an influx of Americans if any of the current crop of Republicans becomes president.
168
Excuse me my American friend but what gives you the idea that Americans can have easy access to emigrate to Canada easily? Can Canadians do the same when they want to escape grim political realties at home? I get a kick out of the notion many americans hold that Canada is some kind of easy to enter country that acts as a safety refuge for them, one with no immigration rules and standards of its own as a Sovereign country. I have news: Canada IS a sovereign country and one must apply to enter it legally and Americans do not get preferential treatment just like Canadians do not when they wish to emigrate to the USA. Secondly, I would just advise those that want to leave and escape to stay home and work for a better government and better election outcomes. Abandoning your country is not the answer to your political woes. Stay put and work to make a difference at home.
Merci
Merci
7
That's great news. I hope they do leave.
Better take a heavy coat and be prepared to be very bored.
Congrats, Canada.
And go Bernie, do the same for US.
And go Bernie, do the same for US.
121
Raymond, that's exactly what I was thinking.
Let's follow Canada's lead and elect a progressive U.S. president. Go Bernie!
Let's follow Canada's lead and elect a progressive U.S. president. Go Bernie!
2
May the U.S. take a cue from Canada in our next election.
139
Looking forward to a combined North American progressive push when we elect our own "liberal" president.
98
And liberal congress.
Had we liberals not stayed home in 2010, our government would look a lot more liberal now.
2