Although his party is lagging far behind in the polls and suffered a historic defeat in a by-election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has no intention of giving up his place as Liberal leader by taking inspiration from American President Joe Biden, whose gesture this summer helped breathe new life into the Democratic campaign.
“We are doing extremely important work and I look forward to continuing to present a positive choice to Canadians. […] “The United States is a very different country than Canada. The political dynamics are different there. We’re more than a year away from the election here in Canada,” Trudeau replied during a press briefing on the sidelines of the second day of his cabinet retreat in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which aims to prepare for the parliamentary session.
The question was asked in every way, but Mr. Trudeau, who notes that he has “a lot of respect” for Joe Biden, tirelessly responded that he is focusing on what the Canadians he met during the summer told him, that is, how the government will help them and contribute to improving their lot.
“I understand that you like to talk politics. Canadians are not that interested in talking politics,” he said during a follow-up. Mr. Trudeau then continued to discuss his government’s policies. He notably praised investments in child care, health care and the goal of attracting businesses and jobs to the country.
South of the border, President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race has brought a sudden burst of energy and momentum to Democrats, including in polls of voting intentions.
Since then, her vice president, Kamala Harris, has been nominated as the party’s candidate and she is riding high, promising “a new path for the future” and appropriating the theme of freedom against her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.
Liberals in Trouble
In Canada, the Liberals have been lagging behind Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives by about 20 points in voting intentions for over a year. The next federal election must be held by October 20, 2025.
Within the Liberal ranks, calls for Justin Trudeau to step down have grown in recent months after his troops lost a seat in Toronto in a byelection. The riding of Toronto—St. Paul’s was painted red, having been held by the Liberals for 30 years.
Another stronghold will be put to the test when voters in LaSalle–Émard–Verdun, in Montreal, go to the polls in mid-September and the New Democratic Party leads an offensive there.