By Promod Puri

As the new year begins, the spotlight falls on Justin Trudeau’s announcement to step down as Canada’s prime minister once the Liberal Party elects a new leader. While this marks the end of an era, it is equally important to reflect on his legacy—a legacy marked by compassion, progress, and pro-social policies.

From legalizing cannabis to pioneering government-subsidized childcare programs, Trudeau carved a progressive path that redefined what ordinary Canadians, particularly the underprivileged, expect from their government. His introduction of medical assistance in dying, along with dental care and pharmacare initiatives (NDP should also get credit for pushing Trudeau to bring in Dental and Pharmacare), underscored his commitment to addressing physical and financial well-being.

Trudeau’s journey in Canadian politics began in 2008 when he was first elected as a Member of Parliament. He rose to prominence after winning the leadership of the Liberal Party in 2013. The 2015 federal election, a milestone in Canadian political history, saw Trudeau’s leadership catapult the Liberals from a modest 36 seats to a commanding majority of 184. It was a resounding endorsement of his vision for Canada.

From the outset, Trudeau’s tenure embodied empathy and humanitarian values. His approach to welcoming refugees remains one of the defining moments of his leadership. Who can forget the images of Trudeau personally greeting refugees at Canadian airports, offering winter jackets and warm smiles? It was a rare display of compassion in an era when many Western leaders turned their backs on displaced populations.

On the international stage, Trudeau championed an independent and humanitarian foreign policy, distancing Canada from the shadows of U.S. influence. Under his leadership, Canada reaffirmed its role as a peace-focused nation, emphasizing non-combat military involvement and diplomatic resolutions.

Domestically, Trudeau upheld Canada’s multicultural ethos, a hallmark of his father, Pierre Trudeau’s political legacy. He not only celebrated the country’s cultural diversity but also lived it, enthusiastically participating in ethnic events—including delighting crowds with his energetic Bhangra moves. More importantly, he brought diversity into the halls of power by appointing a gender-balanced cabinet and including representatives from various ethnic communities, setting a new benchmark for inclusivity in governance.

There were of course low points too in Trudeau’s more than decade long reign. Trudeau’s star quickly started to fade after the COVID pandemic. Coupled with burgeoning ethical issues and travel troubles as well as corruption and economic mismanagement— including an embarrassing trip to India (a set-up by the Modi government which would become the top foreign interference in Canada) and a breach of the federal gifting rules related to a Christmas trip to the Aga Khan’s private island — the shine started to dim.

As Trudeau prepares to step away from the political limelight, his contributions remain etched in the nation’s history. At 53, he leaves behind a Canada that is more inclusive, compassionate, and attuned to its people’s needs. Whether history remembers him as a transformative leader or a charismatic torchbearer of his father’s ideals, one thing is certain: Justin Trudeau’s imprint on Canada’s political and social fabric will endure.

Promod Puri is a veteran journalist and author and founder of the first Indo-Canadian English language newspaper The LINK.