Do Canadians Share Americans' Enchantment with Justin Trudeau?

As a Canadian, I can say with certainty that we are not as enamored with Justin Trudeau as some of our American neighbors are. While we appreciate his political achievements, the relationship between our public and political figures is quite different.

Assessing Politicians with Critical Eyes

A push for being 'enamored' of a politician, at least in Canada, can seem quite off-putting. We tend to hear their policy speeches, listen to local candidates, and judge them on a variety of criteria, including their background, education, honesty, integrity, and charisma. If our judgment is too far off from reality, they will likely not remain in power for long.

Trudeau's Extended Honeymoon and Approval Ratings

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is currently enjoying an extended honeymoon phase with approval ratings that are quite high compared to the previous Conservative government. Several factors contribute to this:

Previous Conservative Approval: The previous Conservative government had an approval rating around 40%, but their disapproval rating was much higher at 60%. This was significantly higher than the typical 20-30% range for political disapproval, suggesting a widespread dissatisfaction with their governance. No Major Scandals: A lack of major scandals has contributed positively to Trudeau's approval. This is refreshing for Canadians, as it adds stability to the political landscape. Shift in US Politics: The election of a far-right leader in the United States often leads to a shift in Canadian politics towards the left. This is despite the respect Canadians have for American democratic processes, it still influences our own political views.

Critical Policies and Public Sentiment

While there is general support for Trudeau's policies, there are notable areas of both approval and disapproval:

Electoral Reform: While some of Trudeau's policies are met with approval, there are significant concerns about his decision to avoid electoral reform. Instead of engaging with Canadians on this crucial issue, Trudeau is criticized for not laying the groundwork necessary for such a large change to occur. Critical Validation: For example, I personally have mixed feelings. While I agree with some of his policies, like climate action, I strongly disapprove of others, particularly his decision to back away from electoral reform, which I believe could have long-term benefits for Canadian democracy.

Conclusion

Canadians are not as easily enamored with politicians or celebrities in general. We recognize the importance of being critical and not blindly supporting those in power. The approval of Justin Trudeau is more than just his charisma and looks, but it is also a reflection of the performance and policies of his government, as well as broader global influences.