The Legacy of Justin Trudeau: A Decade of Controversies

As Justin Trudeau steps down as Canada’s Prime Minister after nearly a decade in power, his legacy is marked by a series of controversies that have defined his tenure. While he entered office in 2015 with promises of progressive policies and a commitment to transparency, his time as Prime Minister has been overshadowed by scandals and public dissatisfaction. Here, we examine the top ten controversies that have shaped Trudeau’s legacy and their lasting impact on Canada.

1. Carbon Tax Criticism (2019-2025)

One of Trudeau’s signature policies was the implementation of a national carbon tax aimed at combating climate change. While it was applauded by environmental advocates, the policy faced widespread criticism for its economic impact. Canadians across the country saw rising costs for essentials like fuel and heating, exacerbating already high living expenses. Critics argued that the tax disproportionately affected lower-income households and failed to deliver meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This controversy highlighted the gap between Trudeau’s environmental promises and the realities of their implementation.

2. Affordable Housing Crisis (2015-2025)

Throughout his tenure, Trudeau repeatedly pledged to tackle Canada’s growing housing affordability crisis. However, housing costs soared to unprecedented levels, particularly in urban centers like Toronto and Vancouver. The Liberal government’s policies, such as the National Housing Strategy, were criticized as inadequate and slow to address the root causes of the crisis. As homeownership became an unattainable dream for many Canadians, Trudeau’s failure to deliver on his promises left a lasting stain on his leadership.

3. Immigration Crisis

Trudeau’s open-door immigration policy was initially celebrated for its compassion and inclusivity. However, it soon became a contentious issue as the government struggled to manage the influx of newcomers. Critics accused the Trudeau administration of lacking a coherent strategy to integrate immigrants into Canadian society, leading to strain on housing, healthcare, and social services. Trudeau’s tendency to dismiss critics as intolerant or racist only fueled resentment and deepened divisions within the country. This controversy underscored the challenges of balancing progressive ideals with practical governance.

4. SNC-Lavalin Affair (2019)

The SNC-Lavalin scandal was one of the defining controversies of Trudeau’s premiership. He faced allegations of pressuring then-Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould to intervene in a corruption case involving the Quebec-based engineering firm SNC-Lavalin. The affair led to Wilson-Raybould’s resignation and exposed Trudeau to accusations of unethical behavior and undermining the rule of law. The incident damaged his reputation as a champion of transparency and accountability.

5. Blackface Scandal (2019)

In 2019, photos and videos emerged showing Trudeau in blackface and brownface on multiple occasions. The revelations sparked international outrage and accusations of racism and hypocrisy. While Trudeau apologized, the scandal undermined his image as a progressive leader and raised questions about his judgment and authenticity. 

6. WE Charity Scandal (2020)

The WE Charity controversy further eroded public trust in Trudeau’s leadership. His government awarded a contract to WE Charity to administer a student volunteer program, despite the organization’s financial ties to Trudeau’s family. The scandal led to investigations and widespread criticism of the government’s lack of transparency and accountability. The fallout from the WE Charity affair highlighted perceived conflicts of interest and fueled skepticism about Trudeau’s commitment to ethical governance.

7. Federal Election Interference (2023)

Trudeau’s handling of allegations of Chinese interference in the 2021 and 2023 federal elections raised serious concerns about the integrity of Canada’s democratic processes. Critics accused the government of failing to act decisively to address foreign meddling, leading to questions about Trudeau’s leadership and priorities. The controversy further damaged public confidence in the Liberal Party and underscored vulnerabilities in Canada’s electoral system.

8. Emergencies Act Invocation (2022)

In response to the trucker convoy protests, Trudeau’s government invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time in Canadian history. This course of action was widely criticized as an overreach of power and an infringement on civil liberties. The invocation of the Act sparked heated debates about the balance between security and freedom, further polarizing public opinion on Trudeau’s leadership.

9. Cost of Living and Inflation (2020-2025)

Rising inflation and a cost-of-living crisis became defining issues during Trudeau’s later years in office. Canadians faced skyrocketing prices for essentials such as food, housing, and fuel, leading to widespread frustration and declining support for the government. Critics argued that Trudeau’s economic policies failed to address the root causes of inflation and placed undue burden on ordinary citizens. The cost-of-living crisis became a central issue in the political discourse, highlighting the disconnect between Trudeau’s promises and the lived experiences of Canadians.

10. Decimation of Canada’s Military and Global Weakness

Throughout Trudeau’s tenure, Canada’s military was plagued by neglect, underfunding, and a lack of clear strategic vision. Despite growing global security challenges, Trudeau’s government consistently failed to meet NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP, earning Canada criticism from allies. The military grappled with outdated equipment, recruitment shortfalls, and scandals that further eroded public confidence. Trudeau’s focus on progressive policies often sidelined defense priorities, leaving Canada ill-prepared to address emerging threats or contribute meaningfully to international missions. This erosion of military readiness and capability weakened Canada’s global standing and diminished its role as a reliable partner in global security efforts.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Contradictions

Justin Trudeau’s decade in power was marked by contradictions. From the SNC-Lavalin affair to the WE Charity scandal, Trudeau’s leadership was often questioned for its ethical lapses and lack of transparency. Meanwhile, his failure to address critical issues like housing affordability, immigration, and the cost-of-living crisis left many Canadians feeling disillusioned.

For a shrinking number of individuals, Trudeau will be remembered as a charismatic leader who brought Canada to the forefront of global discussions on climate and social justice. For the growing majority, his time in office will serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing image over substance. One thing is certain: Trudeau’s departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind a complex and controversial legacy that will shape Canadian politics for years to come.