Canadian prime minister swept to power on promises of a golden era of reform, but he has failed to deliver on so many counts
Canadians have finally fallen out of love with Trudeau. The shine has come off a career that at times seemed to defy political gravity. Instead of Trudeaumania, the nation is suffering from Trudeau fatigue.
The Liberal prime minister’s approval ratings have slumped below 30pc among voters aged 18 to 34, according to national polling group the Angus Reid Institute. This is the group whose enthusiasm helped get Trudeau elected in 2015, re-elected in 2019 and again – just about – in 2021.
Voting intentions tell the same story, with a widening gap between the ruling Liberals and the Conservative opposition. Disillusionment has been fuelled by economic factors, including soaring interest rates and a housing crisis.
From a British perspective, Canada may not seem to be doing too badly. Inflation is running at less than half the UK level and there are no major public sector strikes, NHS waiting lists or small boats. But Canada has its own problems.