Justin Trudeau's Aspirations
I was thinking about the recent announcement Justin Trudeau’s intention to run under the Liberal banner in the Papineau riding of Montreal. I don’t know about the political landscape of Montreal, but from what I’ve been reading, the seat is currently held by the Bloc Quebecois. I wonder how much his last name will help or hinder him in a campaign.
What I really wanted to talk about is the reaction I’ve read from English Canadians. The ones that have particularly caught my attention are the ones that say things like, “Who does this guy think he is?” or “God help us! Not another Trudeau!” or even “What has THIS guy ever done to deserve to run?” Such mindsets are absolutely asinine.
Am I biased towards Trudeau because of his late father? Yes. Regardless of how Pierre Trudeau is remembered by history, I know that without his policies and vision of Canada, I wouldn’t exist right now. Just think of the hours you folks have spent reading this blog! Thanks ol’ Pierre for that!
So what right does he have to run? He’s a Canadian citizen. He has JUST as much right to be a backbencher as any other citizen. Is he running for the leadership of the party? No. He’s not. At least not at the moment. If he wants to take an active role in politics, so be it. He’s certainly not less qualified than any number of other MPs who’ve served for multiple terms. Take Joe Fontana, for instance. The guy was in real estate and insurance before getting into city politics. Next thing you know he’s a Liberal MP for London-North Centre! Is Trudeau more qualified than him? Yes, he is.
Here’s another point to consider: Trudeau hasn’t actually won the nomination or the seat yet. While this is all well and good for headlines, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Until the man gets elected, it’s much ado about nothing, as far as I’m concerned. Alright, that’s all for now… til next time…
Labels: Federal politics, Justin Trudeau
posted by Al B Here @ 9:35 AM
10 comments
10 Comments:
What was the national debt when Pierre Trudeau took power and what was it when he left?
Irrelevant. A similar increase in national debt was common to most of the Western nations during the same time period and has no bearing on Justin's ability to serve as an MP.
Please answer my question.
I made no mention of Justin Trudeau.
Out of curiosity, how old were you when Trudeau took power? Remember that you've already used your "irrelevant" lifeline. I suggest you try "phone a friend" next.
Your question has nothing to do with the topic at hand. I don't know the actual dollar amounts, but you're clever enough to google them, if necessary.
He wasn't singlehandedly responsible for Canada's economic woes. And like him or not, he's helped forge much of our national identity.
And wasn't there was an energy crisis in the 1970s? From what I've heard, his National Energy Program would have been pretty useful in today's world. He was ahead of his time in that respect.
As for how old I was when he first took power, I wasn't born yet. And had he never taken power, I wouldn't have been born.
I've done my homework. You clearly can't say the same.
We went from being the 3rd industrial power in 1968 to the 14th in 1982. Please tell me how that helped the Canadian identity.
I'm not sure how you look at identity, but for me, our ranking as a world industrial power doesn't even remotely enter into it. Clearly Slack Week has left you with too much time on your hands. His most significant contributions lie in his bilingualism policies, the Chater of Rights and Freedoms, and the roots of what has become Canadian Multiculturalism. Please stay on topic. The post had nothing to do with Pierre Trudeau.
Economic prosperity most certainly does play a role in our identity as a nation. It's only out of courtesy that we remain a member of the G8. Our military has been gutted which means fewer baby blue helmets to keep the peace around the world. The health care system is in less than stellar shape. To think that our reduced standing as an industrial nation doesn't affect our identity is laughable.
Look at the amount of money that goes towards servicing the debt. Does having to cut social programs because of the debt promote our Canadian identity? Does a lower standard of living help our identity? Trudeau's shoddy economic performance has affected our national identity. Maybe it's not in the Sheila-Copps-free-flag kind of way you apparently view Canada, but for me, Canada is less than what it could have been thanks to Pierre Trudeau. I think I'm quite on point.
I'll repeat: the post was about Justin Trudeau. Had I been evaluating Pierre's performance as a Prime Minister, then your comments would have been on point.
But to address your ramblings, I'll say this: A lot has happened in the past 25 years since he was in power and it's silly to blame all of the country's problems on him. Mulroney also had a pretty significant run, selling us down the river to the Americans, if you'll recall.
Trudeau's "shoddy economic performance" is in line with what happened in the other Western nations during the same time period, so it obviously wasn't just him.
Can I ask just how closely connected was PET with your conception, or would that be TMI?
"You had me at 'Just Society', mom blurted as she broke into tears of joy, and dad knew she was his."
Anyone who is singling out Trudeau and criticizing him for just deciding to represent the Papineau riding is exhibiting an anti-Trudeau bias. Because this is standard operating procedure in Canadian politics. Hell, Michael Fortier, the guy who represents me in the conservative party wasn't even elected! It's the same thing with Igantieff. The guy hadn't even lived in Canada and they just popped him into some Toronto riding. It's ridiculous. But don't single out Justin Trudeau.
I have mixed feelings about him. He's young and inexperienced and grew up entirely in privilege. However, he is an excellent speaker and definitely has an innate charisma. I have no idea about his actual politics, but from the few words he has said, it sounds like he is concerned about human welfare, which is not something we here from the Liberals much anymore these days. And I respect the fact that he chose (or someone chose for him) the poorer Papineau district over Outremont.
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