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Could Justin Trudeau Face the Same Fate as Kathleen Wynne? Liberal MPs Weigh In
As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau grapples with dwindling poll numbers, many are drawing comparisons to the downfall of Kathleen Wynne’s Ontario Liberal government in 2018. Is history repeating itself? We asked Liberal MPs, some of whom were part of Wynne’s team, for their take on Trudeau’s future and whether his government is doomed to the same fate.
Similarities and Differences Between Trudeau and Wynne’s Situations
Several former Wynne cabinet ministers now serving in Trudeau’s federal caucus, including Michael Coteau, Charles Sousa, Yasir Naqvi, and Marie-France Lalonde, acknowledge the pressures Trudeau is facing but point out key differences between the two political situations.
Coteau, one of Wynne’s top ministers, highlighted that while both governments faced mounting challenges after long periods in power, Trudeau still has time to reshape his narrative. He emphasized that “the players, personalities, and times are different.”
However, Coteau did note one key similarity: after years in office, all governments accumulate political baggage, making it harder to change public perception. He recalls how Wynne’s Liberal government was hindered by a narrative tied to rising hydro prices and unpopular decisions, which ultimately led to their electoral collapse in 2018.
Could Trudeau Turn Things Around?
Despite the parallels, many Liberal MPs remain optimistic. They believe that Trudeau, who has been in power for nine years, can still rally support if the government focuses on economic improvements, affordability, and showcasing Pierre Poilievre’s weaknesses.
Naqvi, for example, draws on his experience campaigning under Dalton McGuinty’s leadership, recalling that despite facing public dissatisfaction, the Ontario Liberals managed to secure a minority government in 2011. He stresses that the campaign ahead will be crucial in deciding the Liberals’ fate.
Some MPs Silent on Trudeau’s Future
Not everyone in Trudeau’s team is as vocal about the comparisons. Helena Jaczek, a former provincial health minister, and Yvan Baker, a former Etobicoke Centre MPP, chose not to comment on whether Trudeau might face a similar fate to Wynne. Their silence is seen by some as a reflection of growing concerns within the party.
Warnings from Wynne’s Fall: Leadership Changes
One anonymous former provincial Liberal minister urged the federal Liberals to learn from Wynne’s experience. They argued that Wynne’s decision to stay on as leader in 2017 may have sealed the party’s fate, reducing them to just seven seats. They suggested that Trudeau should contemplate whether stepping aside might allow the party to avoid a similar electoral disaster.
Is Trudeau’s Leadership Secure?
For now, Trudeau’s supporters, including Lalonde and Sousa, are doubling down on their support for the prime minister. They argue that Poilievre’s campaign mirrors Doug Ford’s divisive playbook and that Trudeau remains the best leader to navigate Canada through its current challenges. Sousa believes that Poilievre, like Ford, cannot be trusted to protect social programs.
As Canadians prepare for the next federal election, the question remains: Will Trudeau defy the odds and turn things around, or is his government headed for the same fate as Kathleen Wynne’s in 2018?
Source: The Canadian Press
