Justin Trudeau resigns amid political economic challenges

Source: The post Justin Trudeau resigns amid political economic challenges has been created, based on the article “Vivek Katju writes: How Canada can undo Justin Trudeau’s damage to bilateral ties with India” and the article “India and Canada, after Justin Trudeau” published in “Indian Express” on 8th January 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Canada’s Prime Minister amidst declining popularity, internal party pressure, and tensions with India over Khalistani separatists. It highlights strained India-Canada relations due to Trudeau’s accusations in the Nijjar case, domestic challenges in Canada, and potential opportunities for resetting bilateral ties under new leadership.

For detailed information on India-Canada Relations and the Khalistan Issue read this article here

What Were Trudeau’s Final Challenges?

1. Internal Party Pressure: Trudeau faced criticism from within his party, making his leadership untenable.
2. Declining Popularity: Public dissatisfaction over a weakening economy and generous immigration policies caused his government’s popularity to decline.
3. Polls Showed Massive Deficit: The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, held a 20% lead over the Liberals in polls.
4. Parliament Paralysis: Governance became ineffective due to a paralyzed parliament.
5. US Pressure: President-elect Donald Trump threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, proposed revisiting North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and made derogatory remarks about Canada as the “51st US state” and Trudeau as its “Governor.”
6. Disparaging Comment by Trump: Trudeau’s lack of response to Trump calling him the “Governor of the Great State of Canada” highlighted his weak position.
7. Freeland’s Resignation: Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland’s resignation on December 16, 2024, increased the pressure.

How Did Trudeau’s Leadership Impact India-Canada Relations?

1. Trudeau accused India of involvement in Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing in September 2023, citing intelligence, not hard evidence.
2. India dismissed these allegations and demanded proof, which Canada refused to share.
3. Diplomatic fallout ensued, with Canada withdrawing 41 diplomats in October 2023 and India expelling six Canadian diplomats.
4. Trudeau ignored Indian complaints about Khalistani activities, justifying them under “freedom of expression.”
5. Canadian authorities accused six Indian diplomats of targeting Canadian citizens and sought their immunities removed.
6. These tensions worsened when a Canadian official blamed Amit Shah for violence against Khalistanis.
7. Visa uncertainty: Thousands of Indian students and workers faced difficulties due to Canada’s unclear visa policies.
8. Diaspora issues: Canada ignored India’s concerns about separatists operating from its soil, prioritizing appeasing radical diaspora elements.

Conclusion

India hopes Trudeau’s successor will repair ties. However, Canada’s domestic issues and its handling of the Nijjar case may delay progress. India remains cautious due to Canada’s past leniency towards Khalistani activities and visa restrictions.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors that led to Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Canada’s Prime Minister and their impact on India-Canada relations.