Biden inspires Trudeau, but not to the point of giving up his place

Photo: Christinne Muschi The Canadian Press “The United States is a very different country from Canada. The political dynamics are different there. We are more than a year away from the elections here in Canada,” Justin Trudeau said.

Michel Saba – The Canadian Press in Halifax

Published at 11:56 a.m.

• Canada

Although his party is lagging far behind in the polls and suffered a historic defeat in a by-election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has no intention of giving up his place as Liberal leader by taking inspiration from American President Joe Biden, whose gesture this summer helped breathe new life into the Democratic campaign.

“We are doing extremely important work and I look forward to continuing to present a positive choice to Canadians. […] The United States is a very different country from Canada. The political dynamics are different there. “We're more than a year away from the election here in Canada,” Trudeau replied during a press briefing on the sidelines of the second day of his cabinet retreat in Halifax, Nova Scotia, which aims to prepare for the parliamentary session.

The question was asked in all sorts of ways, but Trudeau, who notes that he has “a lot of respect” for Joe Biden, tirelessly responded that he is focusing on what the Canadians he met with over the summer told him, namely how the government will help them and contribute to improving their lot.

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“I understand that you like to talk politics. Canadians aren’t really interested in talking politics,” he said during a follow-up. Mr. Trudeau then continued to discuss his government's policies. He notably praised investments in child care, health care and the goal of attracting businesses and “jobs” to the country.

South of the border, President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the presidential race has given Democrats a sudden burst of energy and momentum, including in polls.

Since then, his vice president, Kamala Harris, has been nominated as the party’s nominee and is riding high, promising “a new path forward” and embracing the theme of freedom over her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump.

Liberals in Trouble

At home, liberals have lagged Pierre Poilievre’s conservatives by about 20 percentage points in voting intentions for more than a year. The next federal election must be held by October 20, 2025.

Within Liberal ranks, calls for Justin Trudeau to step aside have grown louder in recent months after his troops lost a seat in Toronto in a byelection. The riding of Toronto—St. Paul’s was painted red, having been held by the Liberals for 30 years.

Another stronghold will be tested as voters in Montreal’s LaSalle–Émard–Verdun go to the polls in mid-September, and the New Democratic Party is leading an offensive there.