Ottawa – a brand new Canada – greener, healthier, more compassionate, more vibrant.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised last month, after announcing that he was adjourning parliament because he was postponing a moral scandal involving his government and his family in parliament.
He promised to present the country with an ambitious coronavirus recovery plan, and the economic devastation it wreaked, saying “this is our moment to bring about change for the better in the future.”
On Wednesday, he will finally unveil his expected legislative plan – and as much as an attempt to reset the nation, it is also an opportunity for Mr. Trudeau to reset his political fortunes.
Mr Trudeau has been plagued by high unemployment, a severe budget shortfall and an uncertain future for many Canadian businesses. Coronavirus infection rates are rising again – as well as the fear that another wave of epidemics has begun.
Sanctions have been revived in some provinces, raising concerns about even more economic hardship. High – and expensive – long-term goals can be less tasty.
Kathy Brock, a professor of policy studies at Queen’s University in Kingston, Nantario, said the prime minister would have to offer more than plethora.
“Mr. Trudeau should have a plan or proposal that tells Canadians: ‘We know where we’re going, we’re not reacting anymore.’
The contract was eventually abandoned and The charity recently announced it was closing Operations in Canada.
But in this episode Mr. Trudeau’s re-election scandal, including the SNC-Lavalin controversy, erupted last year. Efforts by his office to reduce criminal charges against a large engineering company, And the revelation of the Prime Minister wearing Blackface and Brownface In the past.
“For those who are skeptical or not particularly thrilled, the whole thing just cementes their thoughts,” said Lori Turnbull, director of public administration at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. “The poll shows Mr Trudeau’s Liberal Party has suffered short-term losses From the episode.
At the same time, he said, Mr. Trudeau’s supporters say there is nothing to see here, let alone wash the WEE chapter politically.
When Mr Trudeau announced he would close parliament – which, as his political opponents noted, would close committee hearings at the WE charity – he also raised expectations of what he could deliver.
“While this epidemic is an unexpected challenge, it is also an unprecedented opportunity.” Mr. Trudeau said in August. “This is our opportunity to build a more technological Canada. Canada is a healthier and safer, greener and more competitive Canada. Canada which is more welcoming and more just. “
Opposition parties, businesses, trade unions and think tanks across the country presented ideas on what should be included in Mr. Trudeau’s plan, which will be presented in the so-called throne speech, read out in Parliament by Governor-General Julie Pete as head of state, Queen Elizabeth II.
These ideas range from the so-called green recovery scheme to job creation to address climate change. National daily care program It will help working mothers who were disproportionately affected by the epidemic, Employment benefits lost 30 years In three months.
“The epidemic has certainly exposed some of the cracks in our social security net,” said Hassan Youssef, president of the Canadian Labor Congress, an organization of labor unions.
Given the record unemployment figures across the country, the possibility of the country’s social security being net is well received. “Canadians have a genuine sense of helping each other,” Brock said.
In addition to offering wage subsidies and other measures, the government narrowed the gap With an emergency program Who paid unemployed Canadian 2,000 2,000, about $ 1,500 every four weeks, in some cases more than the recipients once received.
Instead of expanding the program when it expires in early December, one idea is to replace it, as well as unemployment insurance and other federal programs, which guarantee a minimum income.
This will require the approval of Canada’s strong provincial governments, which regulate many social programs and participate in federal intervention.
Government ministers have hinted at a green recovery plan, but that could spark a revolt among Conservative opposition, which could theoretically create a new political problem for Mr Trudeau.
His Liberal Party is a minority in parliament and so his plan should attract enough votes from members of the opposition, otherwise the country will move ahead in an epidemic election campaign. The next federal election is scheduled for three years. No government in Canadian history has been defeated on the throne speech.
Details of how Mr Trudeau will pay for any new initiatives will not come until he announces the budget. But there is already widespread debate over it How much more can the government afford Its deficit has reached an unseen level since World War II due to epidemic costs.
Most economists agree that the government needs to spend behind support programs because of the epidemic. But some economists argue that Mr. Trudeau does not have an unlimited license.
“Homes and businesses still need ongoing support,” said Douglas Porter, chief economist at Bank Montf Montreal. “But I’m not sure it’s time to move on and come up with all sorts of new, big, bold policy initiatives at a time when we’re not sure where we’re going to be in six months. ”
In recent days, Mr. Trudeau’s party, in response to a growing number of coronavirus cases, has boldly sought to cool the country’s expectations for a strategy.
But pulling back would damage Mr. Trudeau’s already tarnished reputation as a great communicator who sheds light on matter and morality, said policy professor Dr.
“There’s a question about Trudeau,” he said. “Does he really understand the question of files, government business and ethics? Get it? ”
“That image sticks with it,” he added. “It simply came to our notice then. He knows he has to do something, but he has to do something he can accomplish. “
Reported by Ian Stan O Tova, and Catherine Porter from Toronto.
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