Considering that many Canadians have to wait months and months to get tests/surgery/treatment and those with money routinely seek treatment in the US as it is usually more prompt, efficient, and in some cases, better, sadly I don't think we've much to spare in that department. Though, as you point out, something is better than nothing.
As an aside, almost everyone I have ever met in America has been kind, friendly, and welcoming. You're not so bad yourself - never forget that! :-)
As an aside, almost everyone I have ever met in America has been kind, friendly, and welcoming. You're not so bad yourself - never forget that! :-)
1
PM Trudeau is a clever man and a shrewd politician. While I understand his strategic interest in making these remarks, I find them difficult to credit, because if Trump exhibits one characteristic more than another, it is an inability to listen. Otherwise, he would be learning from his mistakes and he clearly is not.
I would like to think there are two Trumps, the public persona that he believes got him into the WH, and one less, shall we say exaggerated, who appears in one on one meetings.
I do not believe in a one-party state. I know decent Republicans-they really are not the spawn of Satan. I believe in a functional opposition and listening to disparate voices. I distrust ideology. My objection to Trump is not that he is Republican, or even dishonest, corrupt, or venal-we have had leaders across the political spectrum who would qualify to one degree or another on those points.
My objection to him is that he exhibits personality damage so profound it prevents him from being, as the British say, fit for purpose: he is utterly incapable of governing. His emotional development stopped at age 12 or so, his narcissism ensures that things going wrong are blamed on someone else, and I sincerely believe he cannot tell fact from fantasy. Wealth has sheltered him from consequences.
It is frustrating that he should be the prism through which we refract the political tides rising in the West. Those tides are real, but the prism is deranged and his derangement is skewing the view.
I would like to think there are two Trumps, the public persona that he believes got him into the WH, and one less, shall we say exaggerated, who appears in one on one meetings.
I do not believe in a one-party state. I know decent Republicans-they really are not the spawn of Satan. I believe in a functional opposition and listening to disparate voices. I distrust ideology. My objection to Trump is not that he is Republican, or even dishonest, corrupt, or venal-we have had leaders across the political spectrum who would qualify to one degree or another on those points.
My objection to him is that he exhibits personality damage so profound it prevents him from being, as the British say, fit for purpose: he is utterly incapable of governing. His emotional development stopped at age 12 or so, his narcissism ensures that things going wrong are blamed on someone else, and I sincerely believe he cannot tell fact from fantasy. Wealth has sheltered him from consequences.
It is frustrating that he should be the prism through which we refract the political tides rising in the West. Those tides are real, but the prism is deranged and his derangement is skewing the view.
12
He "listens" only enough to know which targets to disparage on Twitter. Usually with names and common words misspelled.
1
Justin Trudeau is still in training to be a world-changer in the mold of his father. Both educated by Jesuits, surfing the waves of history. Canada will be unrecognizable in a generation.
4
Yes, the way Britain, France, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, and Germany will be unrecognisable.
5
Trudeau is playing his cards well with the rather volatile president.
10
I skipped the article to look at the photos...I simply can't remember the last time I was so starstruck by a world leader, besides Peter Gabriel...
7
I feel the same way about the mayor of Rome -- she's so good-looking!
2
The Canadian Prime Minister that so many liberals here gush over? He's glad Trump will go ahead with the Keystone pipeline. His seeming embrace of multicultural diversity and lofty rhetoric on First Nations people is exposed for what it is - a neoliberal nod to multiculturalism as long as corporate profits aren't at stake. Trudeau is BFFs with Trump when it comes to being a stooge of capital and for him, the sanctity of the lands of Indigenous peoples in Canada and the U.S. was never important, and apparently neither is the accelerated environmental destruction of our planet.
6
very well said...is trudeau a bigger showman
2
You are correct that energy policy is the weak underbelly of Canadian policy. Despite trying to be taken seriously by world markets as a diverse economy (ever notice how half the bankers in NYC are from Toronto?), most of the world still sees us as drawers of water and hewers of wood, and our leaders are sensitive to that. (The loonie stops here, so to speak). Trudeau's father caused a generation of political damage when it came to energy policy and western Canada, so Justin has to tread carefully. It does expose us to claims of hypocrisy, but it's a balancing act we cannot avoid.
1
So, Trump "does listen"?
There's a big difference between "listening" and "hearing"! And a big difference between being quiet while someone else speaks and actually thinking about their words.
Trump is unable to listen or concentrate for 5 seconds, when he's NOT talking, and has never, ever shown the slightest evidence of learning from anyone else.
There's a big difference between "listening" and "hearing"! And a big difference between being quiet while someone else speaks and actually thinking about their words.
Trump is unable to listen or concentrate for 5 seconds, when he's NOT talking, and has never, ever shown the slightest evidence of learning from anyone else.
9
Before we condemn Trudeau to the Gallows of Those Fooled, let us remind ourselves of the many many others in positions of power in government, the media and business who entered this place before him.
1
He's not fooled, he's diplomatic. There is a difference.
14
The relationship with the US is always tricky for Canada to manage, since after all one partner is ten times larger and has all the stuff (from tanks to oranges), while the other is a narrow strip of cross-border shoppers trying to stay warm most of the time. Canadians are so dominated by the US in their daily lives that they have no option but to try to get along, whereas to Americans the entire nation of Canada is somewhere north of upstate wherever, which means its pretty much irrelevant and just not something they ever need to really think about.
That said, Trudeau (who has plenty of critics of his own) has done a good job so far in trying to keep things running smoothly. Now if he can just get us ex-pats our right to vote back...
That said, Trudeau (who has plenty of critics of his own) has done a good job so far in trying to keep things running smoothly. Now if he can just get us ex-pats our right to vote back...
4
Why should expats vote? Someone who does not love in my riding gets to say who represents it? If we had some kind of national race like the President it coukd make sense but not for MPs or MLAs.
"Trump listens" is like me saying I can read an operating manual for a nuclear submarine's sonar system. I can probably pronounce all the words but won't have a clue what it all means, just like Trump is clueless about how most of our government functions.
"Gosh, health care is complicated!"
Yep.
"Gosh, health care is complicated!"
Yep.
10
My kids listened too, when they were young, and then did the complete opposite of what they were told.
That is how immature TRUMP acts.
That is how immature TRUMP acts.
16
Nailed it.
2
A Labrador is a good listener too. It has no idea what you are sayingI. Walkies, you are great and food references are what it best understands. No it does not get your explanation of NATO or NAFTA. It might woof or wag its tail but If a cat walks walks into the area the dog will immediately forget you and focus on the cat. My apologies to dogs every where for the comparison.
18
As someone owned by a Lab, I protest that he has no idea what I am talking about. He knows far more than walkies, peepees, treat, bone, and down. He knows when I am sad, he knows when I am excited, he knows when I am angry - he leaves the room if anyone starts to swear - he knows what it means when the microwave beeps and runs to come find me when it does if I am in another room, and if a cat walked into the room he would chase it for ten seconds until it gave him what for right between the eyes, and then he would come back and hide behind me. He is too smart to get depressed about NATO or BREXIT or elections. He knows what really matters: food, love, food, affection, food, everyone being in the same room watching TV together at night with no one missing, food, chasing balls, food.
Trudeau has nothing on him.
Trudeau has nothing on him.
2
No doubt the American president listens, but to what end? To create chaos and a smoke screen in order to manipulate to his own twisted personal advantage.
9
Wise to handle a snake with caution.
20
It is tough to make a blanket statement about a whole set of people but in general Canadians are a very polite people (Look no further than the great help they gave us on 9/11). Justin is a good reflection of that trait.
16
Please don't say too many positive things about Trump, Mr. Trudeau. We want you to be PM for a long time to come!
7
I feel bad for Justin Trudeau. He can't go too negative about DJT, lest his country be invaded or nuked.
18
When Canada and Mexico join EU, then I guess Donald will be "surrounded", by Macron. One World. One World includes England---- Everything is about Prince William and Kate. And they still haven't forgotten Lady Di. Lady Di was all about Equality and GBLTetcetera Rights. The Republicans aren't. Pretty soon, Donald will be surrounded by England as well as France..... and The World.
2
Trudeau for President!
13
A lovely compliment, but I don't think the Canadians would let you have him!
He listens, but that's a pretty low bar. So does my spaniel when I explain partial differential equations to her.
40
We can conclude from Mr. Trudeau's remarks only that Mr. Trump recognizes and respects the commitments that he makes with others. Frankly, none of us should be all too surprised by this revelation, as his first, half year in office has been largely consistent with the promises that he had made throughout his campaign.
An individual's ability to listen to opposing viewpoints, however, does not imply that any conversation will necessarily translate into a developed and nuanced opinion. In fact, listening (or one might suggest the word 'hearing' instead) is the most basic of tasks in an interaction between individuals of differing opinions. The critical analysis that follows that is equally as essential.
Thus, it is not whether Trump shows up to hear others or not that should be the focus of our attention, but rather the rigidity with which he holds his initial opinions. Mr. Trudeau's optimism is admirable, but if a conversation with Mr. Trump results in a follow-up meeting that begins from the same place each time, this process of compromise is doomed from the beginning.
Of course, it is not for me to say if this internal process of reflection and re-evaluation is happening for Mr. Trump. It is not my place, nor am I trained to evaluate that. Based on observational evidence, however, it is my impression that bringing differing opinions to the table is not an effective strategy. It is what Mr. Trump wants that Mr. Trump pushes for, and that is ultimately undemocratic.
An individual's ability to listen to opposing viewpoints, however, does not imply that any conversation will necessarily translate into a developed and nuanced opinion. In fact, listening (or one might suggest the word 'hearing' instead) is the most basic of tasks in an interaction between individuals of differing opinions. The critical analysis that follows that is equally as essential.
Thus, it is not whether Trump shows up to hear others or not that should be the focus of our attention, but rather the rigidity with which he holds his initial opinions. Mr. Trudeau's optimism is admirable, but if a conversation with Mr. Trump results in a follow-up meeting that begins from the same place each time, this process of compromise is doomed from the beginning.
Of course, it is not for me to say if this internal process of reflection and re-evaluation is happening for Mr. Trump. It is not my place, nor am I trained to evaluate that. Based on observational evidence, however, it is my impression that bringing differing opinions to the table is not an effective strategy. It is what Mr. Trump wants that Mr. Trump pushes for, and that is ultimately undemocratic.
3
Although, to be fair, substitute any politicians name in that last sentence and the sentence still works. Mr. Obama pushed for what he wanted; Bush, Jr. pushed for what he wanted; Clinton pushed for what he wanted; and so on down the line. Each politician is elected by the voters who are motivated enough to come out and vote, so just how undemocratic is it? And most presidents especially push hard for what they campaigned on in the 1st 2 years of their term, before slowly learning over time (or being forced to by overreach) that they need to slow it down, step it back, everything has unintended consequences, and best to moderate toward center. It is normal in the US to have a democratic "course correction" at the voting booth since both Democrats and Republicans tend to severely abuse their power and the trust of the voters whenever in office. Hence, why a nominal Republican was democratically elected following 8 years of a Democrat (who himself succeeded 8 years of a Republican), etc.
1
As hard as it is to stomach, Trudeau is wise to be generous to Trump and to keep the lines of communication open. As a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S. I think he's smart to demonstrate a higher form of leadership through action instead of just lobbying criticism. Where Trump remains foolishly contemptuous about Obama, I hope Trudeau is benefiting from conversations and friendship with the leader we were lucky to have for eight years.
29
He tweets inane, conflicting and random word salads. He elbows world leaders in his rush to be front row in a photo op. He's ignorant on a scale hard to imagine in a president. But his daughter is just luscious. And, actor, con-artist, perpetrator of too many frauds to enumerate, he does appear to listen. Maybe because if he opened his mouth he'd only reinforce the inadequacy of his preparation or ability to discuss policy.
Why can't the U.S. have great leadership like the Canadians???
20
They don't have Fox "News" and hate radio twisting their minds, although there have been recent efforts to infiltrate and damage them
26
The fact that this 'Fox News is evil' narrative persists speaks volumes. Yes, it has a conservative point of view . Can we agree that every other major network and the big player newspapers have a liberal, democratic-agenda-promoting point of view? Why does the existence of this conservative outlet bother liberals so much? I thought it was a good thing to have freedom of speech and varieties of viewpoints and different opinions. Why is it liberals seem to want a totalitarian reporting of the news. Why not just have state-run news like China, Saudi Arabia, N Korea?
1
I agree with Lynn and JB RVA. In Canada we don't really have these 24 hour cable news networks. It seems to be very polarizing
That's a pretty low standard for the President. "He actually listens."
12
yeah--- Trudeau seems so naive.
1
Mr. Trudeau is FAR from naive. You will recall that he was brought up by a father who was himself the Prime Minister....one of the longest-serving PMs in Canadian history. He has also surrounded himself with very savvy advisors, including former PM Brian Mulroney - whose political views and party are FAR from the current PM's own. He also has a friend in President Obama, who has taught him the ins and outs of the American system. Mr. Trudeau knows exactly what he's doing...he's a far more savvy politician than the current POTUS will ever be.
23
Nice to see a leader who is inclusive, optimistic and realistic.
16
Not a huge fan of Trudeau, he's a little to style over substance to me, but you have to give him credit on the Trump file. He's handled it with tact and diplomacy.
8
I appreciate Prime Minister Trudeau's insights on Trump, but, and there has to be a "but", the PM does not have the experience many of we New Yorkers have had dealing with this con man for decades. Of course Trump is ingratiating to anyone whom he thinks may do him some good. He's the ultimate used car salesman, every car on the lot is "the best". The devil as they say is in the details. Trump of anyone I ever met is someone for whom can be said there is not a word he says which you can take to the bank. In his business dealings, as well as his presidency, he will say or do whatever it takes to make the sale. He will and does lie, through his teeth. It's a contest to see if in the course of a meeting with Trump he has spoken more truth or told you more lies. He's a wily character who should be approached as one would a poisonous snake, with extreme caution. His greatest danger is that of all aggressive sales people, he is very good at convincing the naive and gullible that he cares about them and is looking out for their interests. He never has, and never will.
DD
Manhattan
DD
Manhattan
41
I don't disagree. Also sounds like a fairly accurate description of Clinton except not as good of a salesperson, of course.
Trudeau does seem unintelligent in his analysis of Trump. I don't think Trump is going to "fool" Macron. France is in a different position than Canada. France is in an extremely different position. Macron is going to dominate. And I suspect the King and Queen are "tired" of Trump's Theresa May. The University of Oxford is a big "England is not going to be on board with Trump" factor. Donald Trump was certainly not The Top of The Class at Ivy League MBA, that's for sure.
5
Dear JB RVA:
The Clinton whom you refer to must be Hillary. Bill was a tremendous salesman, as was Barack, and Bernie. The difference is they are men, and that makes a world of difference still in this so-called society in which we supposedly inhabit.
That and the ability to sell oneself on the boob tube. It's become a cliche, but if Lincoln around today he would not be president. Charm, charisma and good looks are paramount now. Since the advent of TV, and the candidacy of JFK, of which I am well acquainted, we have come to value looks and cut of one's jib more so than what lurks behind the mask.
Since I know Hillary somewhat I have come to like her and I guess that helps. And yet, I understand it when people tell me when they see Hillary on the TV, there is something that just doesn't take, something which rubs them the wrong way. That illusive quality of coming across well on the TV is just something Hillary does not possess, no matter what she does. She doesn't have "it", whatever that is.
To me, that says more about the observer than the candidate. When our political contests become one of popularity then we are no better than high school students who pick the king and queen of the prom. If that is what the American Electorate truly wants in a president, then they will get what they deserve, good and hard. From the looks of this past election, they have.
DD
Manhattan
The Clinton whom you refer to must be Hillary. Bill was a tremendous salesman, as was Barack, and Bernie. The difference is they are men, and that makes a world of difference still in this so-called society in which we supposedly inhabit.
That and the ability to sell oneself on the boob tube. It's become a cliche, but if Lincoln around today he would not be president. Charm, charisma and good looks are paramount now. Since the advent of TV, and the candidacy of JFK, of which I am well acquainted, we have come to value looks and cut of one's jib more so than what lurks behind the mask.
Since I know Hillary somewhat I have come to like her and I guess that helps. And yet, I understand it when people tell me when they see Hillary on the TV, there is something that just doesn't take, something which rubs them the wrong way. That illusive quality of coming across well on the TV is just something Hillary does not possess, no matter what she does. She doesn't have "it", whatever that is.
To me, that says more about the observer than the candidate. When our political contests become one of popularity then we are no better than high school students who pick the king and queen of the prom. If that is what the American Electorate truly wants in a president, then they will get what they deserve, good and hard. From the looks of this past election, they have.
DD
Manhattan
4
About the NAFTA: Any chance you could start having Canadian healthcare companies offer healthcare policies that would be useable in Canada for those of us Americans who live within an hour or so of your border?
It sure would be better than the the plans and coverage being offered to us within our borders.
By the way, I love having such wonderful people and such a gorgeous nation as a neighbor!
--An American Admirer