Justin Trudeau, born on December 25, 1971, is the 23rd and current Prime Minister of Canada, having held office since November 4, 2015. He is the eldest son of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, a former Prime Minister of Canada, and Margaret Trudeau. Trudeau grew up in the political spotlight due to his father’s prominence, attending schools in both Canada and abroad. He pursued higher education at McGill University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Literature, and later obtained a Bachelor of Education from the University of British Columbia.

Before entering politics, Trudeau worked as a teacher in Vancouver, teaching subjects like French and mathematics. He also worked as an advocate for various causes, including environmental protection and youth programs. His first foray into politics came in 2008 when he was elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for the Montreal riding of Papineau. As an MP, Trudeau gained attention for his charisma and connection with the public, which eventually led him to run for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada.

In 2013, Trudeau won the leadership of the Liberal Party, succeeding Michael Ignatieff. His rise came at a time when the party was struggling, having finished third in the 2011 federal election. Under his leadership, the Liberal Party shifted toward more progressive policies, focusing on social issues such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and Indigenous rights. Trudeau's platform emphasized openness, transparency, and inclusivity.

In the 2015 federal election, Trudeau led the Liberal Party to a decisive victory, winning a majority government. His victory was seen as a generational shift in Canadian politics. During his first term, Trudeau's government implemented significant policies, including the legalization of recreational cannabis, the introduction of a carbon tax to combat climate change, and the negotiation of new trade agreements like the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) with the European Union.

However, his tenure has also been marked by controversies. One of the most significant challenges to his leadership came in 2019 with the SNC-Lavalin affair, where his government was accused of pressuring the Attorney General to intervene in a legal case involving a Quebec-based engineering company. This scandal, along with others, dented his popularity.

Despite the setbacks, Trudeau was re-elected in 2019, though this time with a minority government. He continued to pursue his progressive agenda, focusing on climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic response. His handling of the pandemic, including the introduction of financial aid programs like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), garnered both praise and criticism.

In the 2021 federal election, Trudeau secured another minority government. His leadership remains defined by a commitment to progressive policies, though his government faces ongoing challenges, including addressing economic recovery post-pandemic, Indigenous reconciliation, and climate action.

REFERENCE:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Trudeau