Are we going too easy on Trudeau's Liberals?

We overwhelmingly approve of the new government, but are we overlooking its flaws?

Justin Trudeau’s federal Liberal government is now well into its first year in power, and if recent data is to be believed Canada’s love affair with its dreamy-eyed PM is still going strong. Polls from Forum Research over the last few months have consistently found that if the election were held now the Liberals would gain an even larger majority than the one it gained in October, with the lead steadily increasing.

Is this approval truly deserved, or are poll respondents just that happy to be rid of the last guy? Let’s take a critical look at the new PM so far.

Trudeaumeter.ca serves as a handy guide and a good starting point for keeping track of our new government. The site lists all 219 of Justin’s campaign promises and keeps tabs on their progress. So far 63 commitments are currently in progress, 32 have been made good on, and 18 have been broken. That leaves 106 still waiting in limbo. Not terrible for a government only two thirds into its first year.

Some highlights from the completed list include restoring government scientists’ ability to speak freely to the public about their findings and ending Canadian airstrikes in Syria and Iraq. Some ugly truths from the broken promises column include pledges to phase out subsidiaries for the fossil fuel industry, running small deficits over the next two years (they’ll be MUCH larger than planned), and a promised 300 million investment in youth employment.

Specifically for us students, Trudeau has made good on his promise to increase the Canada Student Grant for low income full-time students to a maximum $3,000 per year. Unfortunately, the commitment of $40-million per year to create co-op opportunities for students has been broken.

Beyond the scope of kept and broken promises there are a few particular sticking points where this government has disappointed.

Bill C-51, which vastly expands government surveillance powers, is perhaps the worst part of Stephen Harper’s legacy. Trudeau’s position on the extremely controversial bill has been troubling since before the election even began. As Liberal leader Trudeau voted in favor of the Orwellian legislation with promises to amend it once in office. So far the PM has been disturbingly quiet on plans for amendments and many of us would much rather the laws be repealed altogether.

Also concerning is that all indications seem to point to the government signing the Trans Pacific Partnership, a controversial international trade deal. The TPP has dangerous implications for Canadian sovereignty as the deal subordinates Canadian laws to international corporate interests.

The Liberals also intend to follow through on a much publicised deal to sell arms to Saudi Arabia. Though the deal was committed to by the previous government, and backing out now would have consequences, putting weapons into the hands of a state with as bloody a track record as Saudi Arabia is simply immoral and irresponsible.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m happy with the progress this new regime has made over its short time in office. The contrast in tone and direction from the last decade of Harper’s Conservatives has been refreshing as can be, and if another election were today I’d be one of numerous Canadians voting Trudeau. This is all the more reason to keep a critical eye to make sure this government’s direction stays positive in the years to come.