BERNARDO: Crisis control and the Liberal leadership race

Tony Bernardo is the Executive Director of the CSSAJustin Trudeau's time as Prime Minister is marked by strategic alliances and policy shifts with a single goal: to keep him in power. His political maneuverings are finally running out of steam and, with disastrous approval ratings, deepening economic hardship, and a string of scandals, even the party he brought back from the dead is preparing for life after Trudeau.But as the Liberal leadership race intensifies, one question looms: Will this be a true reset for the Liberal Party, or is it just another establishment power play designed to maintain the status quo?Since he took office in 2015, Trudeau consistently prioritized his personal political survival over principled leadership.He formed alliances with opposition parties, made backroom deals inside the Liberal Party, and shifted policy positions whenever the political winds opposed his interests.NDP Power-Sharing Agreement: In 2022, Trudeau struck a deal with NDP leader Jagmeet Singh to prop up his minority government until October 2025, the date of the next scheduled federal election. Singh agreed to support Trudeau in exchange for policy concessions on healthcare and affordability. While Trudeau framed this as a governance strategy, it was a desperate move to avoid an election he was all-but-guaranteed to lose. Emergency Powers & Suppression of Dissent: The use of the Emergencies Act to crush the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests in Ottawa showcased Trudeau’s willingness to abuse power to silence dissents. His unprecedented move raises valid concerns that he could use similar tactics to extend his grip on power, despite his claims of his impending retirement. Foreign Interference Scandals: Reports suggest Trudeau’s government ignored or downplayed intelligence warnings about election interference by the Chinese Communist Party. Those reports fuel speculation that he will go to any length to stay in power. Liberal Leadership Race Manipulation: As the leadership contest heats up, reports that Trudeau is attempting to install Mark Carney — his hand-picked successor — abound. Commentators say this is partly because he felt betrayed by Freeland’s resignation from Cabinet in December, and because Carney would shield Trudeau from scrutiny while continuing to impose Trudeau’s globalist policies on Canadians.As Trudeau faces the inevitable end of his leadership, the question remains: will he leave quietly, or will he find a way to extend his rule — even beyond 2025?Given Justin Trudeau’s history of abusing emergency powers, and violating ethics rules, talk of an election delay is more than just speculation.Despite fixed election laws, a loophole in the Elections Act allows the government to delay an election in times of national crisis.Section 59 of the Canada Elections Act permits the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) to certify that it has become impracticable to conduct an election in one or more electoral districts due to events such as a flood, fire, or other disaster.With Singh’s track record of propping up Trudeau’s government, the NDP could once again play a crucial role in keeping the Liberals in power beyond their mandated term.Given Trudeau’s past willingness to invoke emergency powers to silence legitimate protests, the possibility of him (or his successor) manufacturing a crisis to postpone the election cannot be ruled out.With the Liberal Party continuing to lose ground, here are five plausible scenarios where Trudeau could manufacture a crisis to justify postponing the election.Cybersecurity & Foreign Election Interference – The government could claim election integrity is at risk from China or Russia, delaying the vote under the guise of security. Climate Crisis & Natural Disasters – A major wildfire, flood, or extreme weather event could be used to declare an emergency and delay the electoral process. Public Health Emergency 2.0 – A resurgence of infectious disease could provide political cover for another round of lockdown measures and election delays. Economic Collapse – A deep financial crisis could allow the Liberals to argue that stability is needed before an election can be held. Domestic Extremism & Unrest – Protests or demonstrations against Trudeau’s policies could be framed as a national security threat, justifying stronger government controls. If Trudeau steps aside as promised, the Liberal Party must choose his successor. But will they opt for continuity under a hand-picked establishment candidate — or will an outsider emerge to challenge the status quo?Mark Carney – The Establishment FavouriteBanking Background & Liberal Ties: Carney served as Governor of the Bank of Canada (2008-2013) before moving on to head the Bank of England (2013-2020). Throughout his tenure, he remained an influential voice in Canadian Liberal economic policy, informally advising Trudeau’s government. Davos & WEF Connections: His deep ties to global financial institutions and the World Economic Forum raise concerns about his commitment to national sovereignty. Carney is a frequent speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, promoting global financial control mechanisms, carbon taxes, and digital currencies. Architect of Canada’s Carbon Tax: Carney played a critical role in shaping Canada’s carbon tax policy, which has significantly burdened taxpayers. His influence extends beyond Canada, as he has also advised the European Union and developing nations on carbon pricing mechanisms. The New Saviour: Carney has positioned himself as a centrist leader who could “restore stability” to the Liberal Party in the post-Trudeau era. Chrystia Freeland – Trudeau’s Loyal SuccessorJournalism & Political Ascent: Before entering politics, Freeland was a journalist. She served as a managing editor at the Financial Times and an editor at Thomson Reuters. Her globalist perspective was evident in her work, particularly in her book Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Global Super-Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else, which examined the power of financial elites. Davos & WEF Connections: Freeland has long-standing ties to the World Economic Forum (WEF) and has participated in its meetings in Davos. In 2019, she was appointed to the WEF’s Board of Trustees, reinforcing concerns that she aligns with globalist policies over national interests. Liberal Party’s Chief Negotiator: Freeland played a significant role in Canada’s negotiations on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), positioning herself as a key figure in trade policy. As Foreign Affairs Minister (2017-2019), she oversaw diplomatic relations during the Trump presidency. Deputy Prime Minister & Pandemic Policy Architect: Since 2019 until her resignation from cabinet in December 2024, Freeland served as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, playing a critical role in shaping the COVID-19 economic response, including massive government spending and business restrictions. She was instrumental in implementing the Emergencies Act in 2022, which the Trudeau government used to freeze the bank accounts of Freedom Convoy protesters. Carbon Tax & Economic Interventionism: As Finance Minister, Freeland is one of the strongest proponents of Trudeau’s carbon tax policies, arguing they are essential for fighting climate change.[iii] She also promoted centralized economic control through wealth redistribution policies and expanded government spending programs. Potential First Female Prime Minister: Freeland is seen as Trudeau’s natural successor with her deep ties to the Liberal establishment. However, her alignment with Trudeau’s most controversial policies, including high inflation, aggressive climate regulations, and authoritarian emergency measures, could make her an unpopular choice among moderate Liberal voters. While Carney and Freeland are the establishment choices, there is always the possibility of a surprise contender. A lesser-known Liberal MP or a provincial leader could step forward to position themselves as a reformist, distancing the party from Trudeau’s baggage while maintaining core Liberal policies.Canadians are growing increasingly skeptical of Trudeau’s leadership. Recent polls show declining confidence in his ability to govern effectively, with concerns about economic mismanagement, high inflation, and controversial policy decisions eroding his support.Polling Trends:A majority of Canadians now favour a change in leadership, with support for the Conservative Party rising under Pierre Poilievre. Many Canadians feel Trudeau has prioritized political survival over national interests, particularly in his alliances with the NDP and global organizations. Media & Public Perception:While mainstream media outlets remain largely favourable to the Liberals, independent and alternative media sources have been critical of Trudeau’s governance. Social media sentiment reveals growing frustration among both conservative and centrist voters who view his tactics as self-serving rather than democratic.Trudeau’s willingness to employ strategic alliances, backroom deals, and abuse of emergency powers kept him in power. However, with increasing public dissatisfaction and the possibility of a leadership change within the Liberal Party, his grip on power is weaker than ever.Will Trudeau step down before the next election, or will he attempt to manufacture a crisis to extend his time in office?And if he does resign, will the Liberal Party choose a candidate who genuinely represents change, or simply another globalist figure to carry on his policies?Canada stands at a crossroads.The next six weeks will determine whether the Liberal Party truly resets or merely slaps a new face on Trudeau’s failed policies.One thing is certain: Canadians are watching, and they will have the final say at the ballot box — if an election is held on time.Tony Bernardo is the Executive Director of the CSSA

BERNARDO: Crisis control and the Liberal leadership race

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