We don’t yet know if the next federal election in Canada will take place before or after the US presidential campaign in 2024, but we do know that Justin Trudeau will try to capitalize on Donald Trump’s return to prominence.
In recent years, Justin Trudeau has not hesitated to scare Canadians by brandishing a scarecrow of Donald Trump. He was allowed to wear a Captain Canada uniform.
Moreover, to identify his main opponent, Pierre Poilievre, the liberal leader will not hesitate to establish links with the former US president.
New chief of diplomacy
When Donald Trump took control of the White House in early 2017, Justin Trudeau appointed Chrystia Freeland as Secretary of State.
This changing of the Canadian diplomatic guard was apparently a reaction to the election of the new president.
Smartly, we’ve seen how Trudeau’s team was able to take advantage of the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Expectations were very low.
We had to lose everything against Donald Trump. Thus, m.I Vreeland passed for a heroine.
Today, six years later, the Trudeau government does not have the same aura on the international stage. We do not feel that Canada plays a leading role in hot issues in the four corners of the globe, and softness towards China leaves us on our appetites in terms of the credibility we enjoy with our allies such as the United States.
before playing the Trump card
Obviously, Donald Trump will be at the center of the liberals’ strategies. Comparisons between Pierre Poilievre and Trump will be common before and during the next campaign.
But before playing the Trump card, Justin Trudeau must put other elements of his game on the table.
It should start with a public inquiry into Chinese interference, followed by a cabinet reshuffle and possibly an adjournment.
It’s a semi-mandatory pass for the liberal leader. He cannot continue on the current path.
No doubt Justin Trudeau is eager to talk about Donald Trump, but before he has to switch his cards.
