Good Governance and the Legacy of Justin Trudeau’s Government
Justin Trudeau became leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in 2013, Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister on November 4th, 2015, and left office on March 13th, 2025. This four-part series explores the legacy of Justin Trudeau’s government through the principles of good governance: legitimacy, strategic direction, effective performance, fairness and equity, and accountability and transparency.
The Legacy of Trudeau Government’s Record on Fairness and Equity
By Catherine Waters, Karl Salgo, and Rhonda Moore
May 7, 2025
The legacy of Justin Trudeau’s government in terms of fairness and equity is complex, multifaceted, and marked by both bold ambitions and significant contradictions. The ambitions of the prime minister to promote social equity, equality of opportunity, and fairness to all members of society may prove to be his most lasting legacy, his greatest achievement, and his Achilles heel.
By Catherine Waters, Karl Salgo and Rhonda Moore
April 14, 2025
A famous phrase coined in 1913 holds that sunlight is the best disinfectant. The modern concept of transparency and, by extension, accountability derive from this vision of opening the windows in government to allow for the sun to shine in and throw light on practices of governance and public policy. Public scrutiny makes behaviours visible and holds power accountable. As the IOG’s fourth principle of good governance, accountability and transparency are an important measure of the actions of government. In this third article applying the IOG’s five principles of governance, we examine the government of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and its record of letting the sunlight in.
The Challenges of Strategic Direction and Effective Performance in Canadian Governance
By Catherine Waters and Karl Salgo
March 10, 2025
Strategic direction is essential for governments and organizations to effectively plan for the future, aligning their actions with anticipated goals, opportunities, and risks. Government actions should not be random or purely reactive; rather, they should be coordinated and purpose-driven, supporting a broader public policy vision that reflects societal needs and priorities.
Question of Legitimacy in Liberal Democracy: The Trudeau Legacy
By Catherine Waters and Karl Salgo
February 5, 2025
Legitimacy is a cornerstone of democratic governance. It determines whether a government’s authority is accepted by the public, even by those who did not vote for the governing party, and even when its decisions are unpopular. The foundation of democratic legitimacy rests on a fair electoral process and broad public acceptance of the government’s mandate. However, liberal democratic legitimacy extends beyond elections, requiring institutions that uphold rights, an independent judiciary, a functioning parliament, and meaningful public engagement in decision-making.