Chrystia Freeland

Justin Trudeau’s Crisis Week

Saturday December 21, 2024 | Substack edition 7

And just like that, Christmas is just around the corner, and another year of editorial cartoons has flown by. Well, almost. There’s still plenty to come from me as 2024 wraps up, but for now, things are on autopilot until my return on January 3, when fresh material makes its debut. This past week’s cartoons, however, felt like a microcosm of the chaos that has defined Canadian politics—and, frankly, global affairs—in 2024. Let’s dive into the whirlwind that was quite possibly Justin Trudeau‘s week from hell.

Monday

Prelude to the week: Who’s the True Foreign Meddler

Since November 5, my editorial cartoons have focused heavily on the repercussions of “Donald Trump 2.0” and what his presidency means for humanity. Even a political crisis in Canada—one we haven’t seen the likes of in years—should ideally shift attention away from the Trump spectacle, but he managed to insert himself into our domestic drama regardless. It’s fair to say that Trudeau might not find himself in such an awkward position were it not for Trump’s victory and the barrage of threats he unleashed toward Canada following the November 5 election.

With that context, we begin this week’s review with a re-run of an editorial cartoon from January 30, 2024. As Canada probes foreign interference in its electoral process, Pierre Poilievre’s response to the inquiry, coupled with his perceived similarities to Trump—especially their shared mistrust of institutions and the media—has become a defining aspect of the political narrative. While much attention has been paid to subversive foreign interference by nations like Russia, India, and Iran, the most blatant meddler, Donald Trump, has been hiding in plain sight. Poilievre, meanwhile, seems either oblivious or willfully blind to Trump’s influence, refusing to obtain the necessary security clearance that would allow him to fully grasp the scope of foreign interference in Ottawa’s political process.

Tuesday

The day after the start of Trudeau’s Week From Hell

The political earthquake that was Chrystia Freeland’s sudden resignation as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister sent shockwaves through Ottawa. Freeland, once a trusted ally and a key figure in Trudeau’s government, publicly criticized his economic relief measures as “costly gimmicks,” a pointed rebuke that left little doubt about the growing discord within the Liberal Party. Her departure came on the eve of the fall economic update, a crucial moment to reassure Canadians about the government’s plans amid rising deficits and inflationary pressures.

Freeland’s exit was not an isolated event. It followed the earlier resignation of Sean Fraser, another high-profile cabinet member, leaving Trudeau’s leadership looking increasingly fragile. These resignations, combined with existing caucus discontent, highlighted the Liberal government’s inability to manage internal divisions and external challenges simultaneously. At a time when Trudeau’s leadership is being questioned more than ever, the loss of Freeland—a figure respected for her competence and steady hand—raises questions about whether his government can even limp through the rest of its term, let alone mount a credible re-election campaign.

Wednesday

Super Premiers Gather at The Council of the Federation

With the federal government mired in scandals and dysfunction, Canada’s provincial premiers seized the moment to assert themselves. A gathering of the Council of the Federation (which has a Super Friends Hall of Justice ring to it) showcased a growing trend: provincial leaders stepping into roles traditionally dominated by Ottawa. From energy policies to economic resilience, these so-called “super premiers” are taking the reins, crafting regional solutions to issues that demand a cohesive national response.

My parody of portraying this group of sub-national heroes as a comic book joins a growing collection of covers I’ve drawn over the years.

The stakes could not be higher. Canada is facing significant external challenges, including the economic uncertainty posed by Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House, which could bring new trade tensions and security risks. Yet the federal government, preoccupied with political infighting and bureaucratic inertia, has been slow to act. The premiers’ push for greater autonomy underscores Ottawa’s failure to provide leadership on pressing issues like energy, housing, interprovincial trade, and national unity.

But while the premiers’ efforts highlight their regions’ resilience, they also expose cracks in the federation. The lack of a unified approach risks further fraying national cohesion, with provinces charting divergent paths that could leave Canada vulnerable and unprepared for future crises. It’s a stark reminder that without federal leadership, Canada’s ability to navigate complex domestic and global challenges remains deeply compromised.

Thursday

Torment From Toddler Trump 2.0

Donald Trump’s provocations toward Canada have gone from rhetorical jabs to outright attempts at destabilization. Calling Canada a “51st state” and levelling baseless accusations about trade deficits might seem like typical Trump hyperbole, but his remarks carry real consequences. Insulting Chrystia Freeland with misogynistic slurs not only demeans one of Canada’s most respected leaders but also forces the country to respond to petty provocations rather than focus on substantive policy issues.

Trump’s meddling is unique in its overt nature, unlike the covert operations of other foreign actors. Weaponizing social media and his vast platform, Trump spreads disinformation and stokes divisions within Canada, from debates over social programs to the very fabric of Canadian bilingualism. His influence extends beyond words; his rhetoric emboldens populist movements and challenges Canadian leaders to respond decisively.

While some, like Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have spoken out against Trump’s antics, others, including Justin Trudeau, have struggled to mount a consistent response. Canada’s failure to counter Trump’s provocations (wedgies or gotchie pulls) effectively reflects a deeper problem: a lack of unity and strategic vision to safeguard its sovereignty. To stand tall in the face of such overt meddling, Canadian leaders must prioritize assertive diplomacy, robust economic policies, and a clear message that Canada will not be intimidated or diminished by external forces.

Friday

Leadership Aspirants Circle the Wagons

Justin Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister increasingly feels like it’s drawing to a close, as discontent within the Liberal Party reaches a boiling point. Chrystia Freeland’s resignation was not just a blow to Trudeau’s government—it was also a signal that cracks within the party are widening. Freeland’s exit, combined with Trudeau’s inability to bring Mark Carney into the fold as a stabilizing force, highlights his waning political capital and his struggle to maintain unity within his caucus.

Mark Carney, a globally respected figure, was seen as a potential saviour for the Liberals, someone who could inject credibility and vision into a government besieged by scandal and policy missteps. Yet, the overtures to Carney backfired spectacularly, alienating Freeland, who reportedly felt sidelined, and emboldening Dominic LeBlanc as a potential leadership contender. LeBlanc, a seasoned politician and long-time Trudeau ally, now appears better positioned to take the reins should Trudeau step aside.

Meanwhile, frustrations among Liberal grassroots supporters and high-profile defections reflect a party grappling with an identity crisis. Trudeau, once the charismatic leader who revitalized the Liberals, is now seen as a liability by many within his own ranks. With the Conservatives surging under Pierre Poilievre and internal Liberal divisions deepening, the question is no longer if Trudeau will go, but when—and whether the party can reinvent itself in time to remain a viable political force.

Saturday

A Christmas Carol,: The Ottawa Version

The final political editorial cartoon of the year ends with a Christmas theme. As the holidays arrive, I’m reminded of A Christmas Carol—specifically the 1951 Alastair Sim version, a favourite of mine for its moody black-and-white atmosphere. Dickens’ timeless tale of reckoning feels apt for Justin Trudeau, who faces ghosts of his own: his father, Pierre, representing the ideals of the past; disenchanted allies of the present; and the grim spectre of a party in decline if he clings to power.

Like Scrooge, Trudeau stands at a crossroads. Will he find redemption through reflection, or ignore the warnings, risking his legacy and his party’s future? As Scrooge embraced change to rewrite his fate, Trudeau may need his own moment of clarity before the clock runs out.

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