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Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION
Trudeau redux
CANADIAN politics should get more interesting on Tuesday when Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his candidacy for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada. A poll last week showed if an election was held today, Mr. Trudeau could lead his party to victory with 39 per cent of the popular vote. It was just a snapshot, but at the very least it demonstrates the son of former prime minister Pierre Trudeau is benefiting from name recognition, as well as his personal appeal.
His political ideas are a little thin presently, although, like his father, he is critical of Quebec nationalism, a proponent of youth programs and an environmentalist.
Other than that, Mr. Trudeau is a bit of a blank slate; he will have ample opportunity to fill in the gaps on his policy positions in the months ahead. It’s unknown if other potential candidates, such as former astronaut Marc Garneau, will get cold feet rather than trying to knock out Mr. Trudeau, but another coronation wouldn’t do the Liberal party any favours. What the party needs, in addition to a strong leader, is a set of ideas and policies for the 21st century. From health care and infrastructure to defence and foreign policy, there is no shortage of complicated issues waiting for a Liberal policy position.
Critics have tended to dismiss Mr. Trudeau as a dilettante — his father was accused of the same thing — but he is smart, intelligent and passionate, with flashes of charisma and charm. He could develop into an impressive leader, but if the tides of history continue to work against the party, it might be just another Liberal flash in the pan.
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