With Canadians’ growing distaste for Liberal policies and the subsequent popularity for newly-elected Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is left scrambling to come up with new strategies to hold onto power, even if it means reversing his tough stance on Covid-19 mandates.
The federal government on Monday announced all pandemic-related border restrictions will be lifted on September 30, including mandatory masking and vaccinations on aircraft and trains, as well as testing and quarantine for international travellers. The use of the ArriveCAN app will also be optional, as travellers can still use it to make customs declarations. The updated policy was initially unanimously proposed by a federal cabinet committee back in June, and it was ultimately left up to the prime minister to decide whether to accept the recommendation.
Trudeau, who has firmly held a zero-tolerance policy for dissidents of Covid-19 restrictions, is facing growing political backlash for his countless blunders and almost-totalitarian use of power to dismantle the trucker convoy earlier this year. Poilievre, meanwhile, has been a strong opponent of the federal government’s vaccination mandates, making it one of the hallmarks of his campaign and catching the attention of Canadians across the country. “I suppose it might have something to do with the science changing Saturday night when Pierre [Poilievre] was coronated,” commented Ontario MP Marilyn Gladu on Trudeau’s abrupt policy shift.
A recent survey by Mainstream Research shows the Conservative party ahead of the Liberals by 8 points, garnering over 40% of support in the polls— a point where a majority government could be formed.
Information for this briefing was found via the Government of Canada and Mainstreet Research. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
