Canada: One year on

[Rogue]

Trudeau’s landslide victory came with the allure of “real change” at a time of mild economic recession and rising unemployment.

“We’ll kickstart the economy by investing in jobs and growth and lowering taxes for our middle class,” the father of three promised voters ahead of the election. “That’s real change.”

The selfie-snapping, stripteasing, gravity-defying, photo-bombing, panda-snuggling Liberal leader has captured international attention and widespread adoration since his inauguration on Nov. 4, 2015, and, at 44, has already been named as one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine.

With a recent poll showing 2 in 3 Canadians are satisfied with Trudeau’s leadership ― an unusually strong approval rating for a prime minister ― it would seem his honeymoon phase continues. But one year into the Trudeau government’s first term in power, and less than three years until Canada’s next federal election, where does the party stand on achieving its campaign pledges?

The WorldPost put together a progress report on Trudeau’s first year in office:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/justin-trudeau-one-year-progress-report_us_5818c27be4b0990edc33a6ae

[Solace]

I must admit that I really like Trudeau so far. (even though I had voted for the Green party due to my strong feelings in support of the environment) Trudeau seems to genuinely care about this country, the people, the world, and issues that matter. He has heart imo which is a relief!

[Kaere]

Here's an alternate view as I have to say I dislike the Liberal gov't and Trudeau, for quite a few reasons.

-They removed any sports and activity related tax relief for families ie I used to get a tax break because of what I paid into for hockey and martial arts. It made it so much more affordable, something I could actually do for my kids. They took that away so now I have to pick one or the other, I can't pay for both. Thanks Liberals!

-To he!! with human rights violations, they completed an arms deal for 10 million dollars about a month after Saudia Arabia held several public executions. And let's just turn a blind eye to China and all their human rights violations, we need to trade with them. What good neighbours, he says! What great, strong leaders! As they imprison anyone who disagrees with them... bah! So reprehensible.

-Oh, you say you need employment insurance because of the oil crash? Have no fear, we'll bend the rules to provide extra help for the south of the province but not the north... no really, it had nothing to do with which city had more liberal votes. Nothing at all! /sarc  

-Trudeau did a television interview in French saying that the West is useless and a drag on the East and that any good leaders in this country come from Quebec. O rly?

-how about the civil service pay system going all haywire. They were told the software was not ready to roll out and yet the Liberals did it anyway. There's people that haven't been paid for over nine months! Managers having to cut manual emergency cheques... unreal.

-that whole Trudeau's  'because it's 2015' thing had me irked me from the start. How about 50% of your cabinet is women because they're QUALIFIED. It's so insulting to get a job just because you've got girly bits or guy bits, how about being able to do the bloody job!

Just a few things that get my goat about it all. Don't even get me started on all they promised for Veterans and now all they're holding back *fumes*

[Solace]

I wasn't aware of some of these facts Kaere, your feelings are definitely understandable.

[Kaere]

Other gov'ts do the same kind of garbage, I'm positive. Blah to all of it. I am not one who thinks smaller gov't is better or anarchy would be a good choice... but there must be something better than this.

[Rogue]

I hear ya about the women quotas, lots of talk here about moving that way too. Bloody ridiculous imo, lets have the best people! I'd be happy if more of the best were women of course.

[Kaere]

Exactly!

[Lenzabi]

Get a check list of the "Neo-liberal" agenda and see if they are performing such behaviors such as our Obama, if Trudeau is up to the same shenanigans as our "Democrat" party, watch out!

[Kaere]

Well... you have to remember that Trudeau is just the leader of the Liberal party, he doesn't have the same kind of powers that your President has. You'll also have to remember that our political parties are much farther left wing than yours are... so what you might think is neo-Liberal, we probably think is par for the course lol. Our conservatives tend to be further to the right than your Democrats, know what I mean? I guess you'd have to be more clear about what you think Obama is "getting away" with.

[Lenzabi]

Oue so called "Left" party has been more center-right for years. Democrats have done more Republican things and pushed them through than the Republicans could. Take the TPP for example that Obama is so hot to get passed.

[Lenzabi]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoliberalism

Neoliberalism (neo-liberalism)[1] refers primarily to the 20th century resurgence of 19th century ideas associated with laissez-faire economic liberalism.[2]:7 These include extensive economic liberalization policies such as privatization, fiscal austerity, deregulation, free trade, and reductions in government spending in order to enhance the role of the private sector in the economy.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] The implementation of neoliberal policies and the acceptance of neoliberal economic theories in the 1970s are seen by some academics as the root of financialization, with the financial crisis of 2007–08 as one of the ultimate results.[10][11][12][13][14]

They also support Neo-conservative foreign policy, and have been partially responsible for the ruination of America, falling into line with our Plutarchs and the oligarchy

One examle is that they say it is your fault for being poor, for not having made the connections that could make you better off. Total lack of empathy is also inherent in the meritcoratic elitism in my nation, and it sounds like it is spread across the globe

[Kaere]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoliberalism

Neoliberalism (neo-liberalism)[1] refers primarily to the 20th century resurgence of 19th century ideas associated with laissez-faire economic liberalism.[2]:7 These include extensive economic liberalization policies such as privatization, fiscal austerity, deregulation, free trade, and reductions in government spending in order to enhance the role of the private sector in the economy.[3][4][5][6][7][8][9] The implementation of neoliberal policies and the acceptance of neoliberal economic theories in the 1970s are seen by some academics as the root of financialization, with the financial crisis of 2007–08 as one of the ultimate results.[10][11][12][13][14]

They also support Neo-conservative foreign policy, and have been partially responsible for the ruination of America, falling into line with our Plutarchs and the oligarchy

One examle is that they say it is your fault for being poor, for not having made the connections that could make you better off. Total lack of empathy is also inherent in the meritcoratic elitism in my nation, and it sounds like it is spread across the globe

Oh I see. Then no, I don't think any of our parties in gov't have that sort of agenda or thinking.

[Stargate]

It is always kind of hard when a new leader goes into office to stair the party into new territory. Sometimes the political culture is not easy to change and compromising is the name of the game. Trudeau may not be able to defy the old dragons and pave new ideas in Canadian politics.

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