I have been working on this post for a while, as soon as it became clear that Justin Trudeau would be resigning. I don’t normally publish pieces this long, but I found that I needed this length to enable me to even just skim the surface of how this man transformed Canada as a nation, and its standing in the world. For me, his biggest failure was not reforming Canada’s federal election system after he vowed that the 2015 process would be the last conducted under the first past the post model. However, it soon became clear that the party’s backroom boys, and many newly minted MPs had other priorities, and so his government abandoned the pledge in 2017, disappointing advocates for electoral reform and leaving a key campaign promise unfulfilled.

Justin Trudeau’s tenure as Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister is a legacy of contradictions: one of bold progressive achievements, and high-profile missteps, of inspiring rhetoric and underwhelming follow-through. While his time in office has left the country more inclusive and forward-looking in many ways, it has also been marked by challenges and controversies that complicate the narrative of his leadership. Viewed holistically, Trudeau’s legacy is one of meaningful but imperfect progress – an era defined by a mixture of transformative change and opportunities missed.

Economically, Trudeau’s record is more complex. Programs like the Canada Child Benefit significantly reduced child poverty, providing direct financial relief to families and underscoring his government’s focus on middle-class Canadians. His investments in infrastructure and housing created jobs and spurred economic growth. However, these initiatives came at the cost of mounting deficits and an increased national debt, raising questions about long-term fiscal sustainability. Critics argue that his government’s policies failed to adequately address systemic issues such as housing affordability, which worsened during his tenure. Rising home prices left many young Canadians struggling to enter the housing market, highlighting a gap between Trudeau’s promises and tangible results. While his economic agenda was ambitious, it often struggled to balance short-term relief with long-term stability.

One of the most enduring aspects of Trudeau’s legacy is his commitment to diversity and inclusion. From the outset, he reshaped the face of Canadian politics with his historic, gender-balanced cabinet that included individuals from a variety of racial, religious, and cultural backgrounds. His reasoning – “Because it’s 2015” – became a shorthand for Canada’s progressive aspirations on the global stage. By elevating underrepresented voices, Trudeau sought to ensure that Canada’s leadership reflected its diverse population, signaling a renewed commitment to multiculturalism at a time when many countries were turning inward. This emphasis on inclusion not only bolstered Canada’s international reputation but also helped inspire a new generation of Canadians to see politics as a space for all.

Climate change was one of the defining issues of Trudeau’s leadership, and his government made significant strides in this area. The implementation of a nationwide carbon pricing system positioned Canada as a global leader in climate policy, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement. Yet, this progress was undermined by the government’s purchase of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, which angered environmental advocates and Indigenous communities. Trudeau’s attempt to balance environmental goals with the economic realities of a resource-driven economy often left both sides dissatisfied. Nevertheless, his climate policies laid the groundwork for Canada’s transition to a more sustainable future, even if they were not without contradictions.

Trudeau’s relationship with Indigenous communities represents another area of mixed results. He made reconciliation a central theme of his leadership, offering apologies for historical injustices and pledging to address long-standing inequities. His government made progress on some fronts, such as lifting long-standing boil-water advisories in many Indigenous communities. However, significant gaps remained, particularly in addressing land rights and implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s calls to action. Many Indigenous leaders criticized the slow pace of change, arguing that Trudeau’s symbolic gestures often failed to translate into substantive action. While his efforts were genuine, they were frequently insufficient to meet the scale of the challenges at hand.

Ethics and accountability proved to be persistent weak points in Trudeau’s leadership. The SNC-Lavalin affair and the WE Charity scandal highlighted a troubling pattern of ethical lapses that undermined public trust. In both cases, Trudeau faced accusations of placing political interests above transparency and accountability. These controversies tarnished his image as a champion of ethical governance, leaving a stain on his record that cannot be ignored.

Yet, even amid these challenges, Trudeau’s ability to connect with Canadians on a personal level remained one of his greatest strengths. Whether marching in Pride parades, hosting town halls, or addressing the nation during the COVID-19 pandemic, he demonstrated an empathy and accessibility that set him apart from many of his predecessors. His optimism and charisma helped re-energize Canadian politics, particularly among younger voters, who saw in him a leader who genuinely cared about their concerns. While his leadership style occasionally veered toward the performative, it also reflected a deep understanding of the importance of symbolism in shaping national identity.

Ultimately, Trudeau’s legacy is one of imperfect but meaningful progress. His government advanced diversity, economic support for families, and climate action, while grappling with the realities of governance in a polarized and rapidly changing world. His tenure was far from flawless, marred by ethical lapses, unfulfilled promises, and the challenges of balancing competing priorities. However, his vision for a more inclusive, progressive, and globally engaged Canada resonated with millions and left an indelible mark on the country’s political landscape.

Justin Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister will likely be remembered not for perfection, but for aspiration. He sought to push Canada forward in ways that reflected its highest ideals, even if he sometimes fell short. For all the controversies and compromises, his leadership ushered in an era that redefined what Canada could stand for on the world stage: diversity, progress, and hope.