As Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau has faced many unique challenges. His domestic and foreign policy decisions have had a deep impact on the country and the world at large. In this article, we will explore some of the major issues that he has faced over the past four years, including climate change, immigration, trade, relations with the United States, and the promotion of Canadian values.
Climate Change
Climate change has been a top priority since Trudeau’s election in 2015. He is a strong advocate of an international fight against climate change, and he has led Canada in pursuing a number of policies to reduce carbon emissions within the country. He has created a carbon pricing scheme, introduced new fuel standards, concentrated on renewable energy sources, and restructured environmental reviews of major energy projects. He has also announced Canada’s intention to provide support for developing countries to help them to reduce carbon emissions and to adapt to the changing climate.
Immigration
Trudeau’s immigration policies have sought to create a more equitable and diverse nation. His government has accepted more refugees than any other in Canadian history and he has promised to build a more effective immigration system. He has sought to improve the processing of asylum claims, make family reunification easier, and increase efforts to protect persecuted minority groups. He has also taken steps to reduce the use of temporary foreign workers and to crack down on illegal migration.
Trade
Trudeau has also sought to improve Canada’s trade relationships and create new economic opportunities. He has been actively involved in the renegotiation of NAFTA, and he has worked to open new markets such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which was ratified in late 2018. He has also sought to pursue a more progressive approach to trade, championing gender parity and labour and environmental protections.
Relations with the United States
Relations with the United States have been strained under the Trump administration’s protectionist policies, but Trudeau has sought to maintain a constructive and mutually respectful relationship. He has opposed some of President Trump’s trade policies, such as tariffs on steel and aluminum, but has sought to resolve the issues through negotiation. Many of the issues between the two countries remain unresolved, such as the North American trade dispute and the future of the American-Canadian border.
Promotion of Canadian Values
Trudeau has sought to promote Canadian values within the country and around the world. Alongside his initiatives on climate change and in trade, Trudeau has also launched an ambitious anti-discrimination program. He has also sought to build relationships with Indigenous groups, create a more equitable tax system, and build a stronger relationship with the international community. He has also criticized other nations for their human rights abuses, including Saudi Arabia and Russia.
Trudeau’s policies have had a considerable impact both domestically and abroad. He has championed climate change, immigration, trade, and Canadian values while seeking to improve relations with the United States. These policies have been met with both criticism and praise from Canadians and the international community alike. As he heads into the 2019 elections, his leadership on these issues will be closely watched and judged by those at home and abroad.
