The day after his landslide win against Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Liberal leader Justin Trudeau had some words of encouragement for Canada’s allies: “Many of you have worried that Canada has lost its compassionate and constructive voice in the world over the past 10 years. Well, I have a simple message for you: on behalf of 35 million Canadians, we’re back.”
In the weeks that have followed, he has proceeded with a series of symbolic moves aimed at demonstrating he is prepared to put his own stamp on the new government’s approach.
Prime Minister Trudeau has nominated a diverse and gender-equal cabinet. He has changed the names of several ministries — the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development has become Global Affairs Canada; Citizenship and Immigration has become Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship; and Environment was renamed Environment and Climate Change. He invited all premiers of the country’s provinces and territories, along with the Green Party leader, to join him in Paris for the COP21 climate change conference. And he “unmuzzled” federal scientists, who had been banned from speaking to the media under the Harper government.
About the author
Flavie Halaisflaviehalais
Flavie Halais is a freelance journalist based in Montreal, Canada, covering international issues and cities through a social lens. Her work has appeared in WIRED, the Guardian, Le Monde Afrique, Jeune Afrique, the Correspondent ,and Devex.
