History of Justin Trudeau in Timeline
Justin Trudeau is the 23rd and current prime minister of Canada, a position he's held since 2015. He is also the leader of the Liberal Party since 2013. Notably, he is the second youngest prime minister in Canadian history and the first to be the child of a former prime minister, as the eldest son of Pierre Trudeau.
1906: Thomas Bernard Immigrates to Canada
Justin Trudeau's maternal great-grandfather, Thomas Bernard, immigrated to Penticton, British Columbia, in 1906 at the age of 15.
October 30, 1917: Death of Major Talbot Mercer Papineau
On October 30, 1917, Major Talbot Mercer Papineau, a fifth cousin twice removed of Justin Trudeau, was killed in action during the Battle of Passchendaele. This event marked a significant loss for the family during World War I.
January 28, 1933: Death of Margaret Mary Theodora Macdonald
John A. Macdonald's daughter, Margaret Mary Theodora Macdonald, passed away on January 28, 1933.
June 23, 1971: Margaret Trudeau's Pregnancy Announcement
On June 23, 1971, the Prime Minister's Office announced that Margaret Trudeau, wife of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, was pregnant and due in December.
December 25, 1971: Birth of Justin Trudeau
On December 25, 1971, Justin Trudeau was born in Ottawa, Ontario, becoming the second child in Canadian history to be born to a prime minister in office.
January 16, 1972: Justin Trudeau's Baptism
Justin Trudeau was baptized at Ottawa's Notre Dame Basilica on January 16, 1972, marking his first public appearance.
April 14, 1972: Richard Nixon's Toast
During a gala hosted by Pierre and Margaret Trudeau on April 14, 1972, U.S. President Richard Nixon made a toast to Justin Trudeau, referring to him as the "future prime minister of Canada."
December 25, 1973: Birth of Alexandre (Sacha) Trudeau
Alexandre (Sacha) Trudeau, Justin Trudeau's younger brother, was born on December 25, 1973.
October 2, 1975: Birth of Michel Trudeau
Michel Trudeau, Justin Trudeau's youngest brother, was born on October 2, 1975.
1976: Start of Formal Education
In 1976, Justin Trudeau began his formal education at Rockcliffe Park Public School, attending their French immersion program. This decision, influenced by his mother, broke away from the tradition of French-language lycée education. Despite his family's status, his parents opted for him to take the school bus, though with a Royal Canadian Mounted Police car following for security.
1977: Separation of Pierre and Margaret Trudeau
Justin Trudeau's parents, Pierre and Margaret, announced their separation in 1977 when he was five years old.
September 1979: Margaret Trudeau Moves to New Edinburgh
Justin Trudeau's mother, Margaret, purchased a home at 95 Victoria Street in Ottawa's New Edinburgh neighborhood and moved there in September 1979.
October 1979: Interview with Justin Trudeau's Nanny
In an interview in October 1979, Justin Trudeau's nanny, Dianne Lavergne, described him as a "mommy's boy" and commented on the challenges of his parents' separation.
1979: Liberals Form Minority Government Despite Losing Popular Vote
In the 1979 federal election, Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party formed a minority government despite receiving fewer votes than the Conservative Party. This marked the first time since 1979 that the party with the most votes did not win the most seats.
February 1980: Pierre Trudeau Returns as Prime Minister
Pierre Trudeau and his sons moved back into the prime minister's official residence following his victory in the February 1980 election.
1980: Pierre Trudeau's near-sweep of Quebec
In 1980, Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau's father, led the Liberals to a near-sweep of Quebec, a feat that resonated with the party's performance in the province during Justin Trudeau's leadership.
June 1984: Move to Montreal and New School
After his father's retirement in June 1984, Justin Trudeau, along with his family, moved to his father's Montreal home, Cormier House. He then started attending Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, a private institution that was also his father's alma mater.
1984: Trudeau's Parents Divorce
In 1984, the Supreme Court of Ontario granted Justin Trudeau's parents a divorce.
1985: Jaspal Atwal assaults former BC premier Ujjal Dosanjh
Jaspal Atwal carried out an assault on Ujjal Dosanjh, the former premier of British Columbia, in 1985.
1986: Jaspal Atwal convicted of attempted murder
Jaspal Atwal was convicted in 1986 for the shooting and attempted murder of Indian Cabinet minister Malkiat Singh Sidhu.
1988: Early Support for the Liberal Party
Justin Trudeau's support for the Liberal Party was evident from a young age, as he offered his support to party leader John Turner during the 1988 federal election.
1988: Emergencies Act Enacted
The Emergencies Act, which Justin Trudeau later invoked during his third term, was enacted in 1988.
1994: Graduates from McGill University
Justin Trudeau graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature in 1994.
November 13, 1998: Death of Michel Trudeau
Tragically, Michel Trudeau died on November 13, 1998.
1998: Justin Trudeau rediscovers his faith
After the death of his brother Michel in 1998, Justin Trudeau participated in an Alpha course and regained his Catholic faith.
1998: Receives Bachelor of Education Degree
In 1998, Justin Trudeau earned a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of British Columbia.
August 2000: Allegation of Inappropriate Conduct at Kokanee Summit
In August 2000, an unsigned editorial in the Creston Valley Advance accused Justin Trudeau of groping an unnamed female reporter at the Kokanee Summit. The editorial claimed Trudeau apologized the next day, suggesting his behavior wouldn't have occurred had he known the reporter's professional affiliation.
October 2000: Eulogy at Father's Funeral
Justin Trudeau delivered a moving eulogy at his father's state funeral in October 2000, captivating the nation. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) received numerous requests to rebroadcast the speech, and prominent figures like Claude Ryan recognized it as a significant moment, hinting at the possibility of a political dynasty.
2000: Establishment of the Kokanee Glacier Alpine Campaign
Two years after his brother Michel's death in an avalanche, Justin Trudeau and his family initiated the Kokanee Glacier Alpine Campaign in 2000. This initiative aimed to promote winter sports safety and raise awareness about avalanche risks.
2001: Trudeau Attends Arabian Nights-Themed Gala in Brownface
In 2001, Justin Trudeau, then a teacher, attended an Arabian Nights-themed gala wearing brownface makeup. This incident, which surfaced in 2019, sparked significant controversy and calls for accountability, prompting Trudeau to acknowledge the racist nature of his actions and apologize.
2002: Relocates to Montreal for Further Studies
After teaching in Vancouver, Justin Trudeau moved back to Montreal in 2002 to continue his studies.
2002: Chairmanship of the Katimavik Youth Program
From 2002 to 2006, Justin Trudeau served as chair of the Katimavik youth program, founded by family friend Jacques Hébert. This program focused on providing youth with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
2002: Participation in CBC Radio's "Canada Reads"
Justin Trudeau participated as a panelist on CBC Radio's "Canada Reads" series, championing Wayne Johnston's novel "The Colony of Unrequited Dreams."
2002: Criticism of Avalanche Warning System Funding Cut
Justin Trudeau publicly criticized the British Columbia government's decision to discontinue funding for a public avalanche warning system in 2002. He argued that this move compromised public safety, particularly for those engaging in winter sports.
2002: Commencement of Engineering Studies
Justin Trudeau pursued engineering studies at the École Polytechnique de Montréal, affiliated with Université de Montréal, from 2002 to 2004. However, he did not complete the program.
June 2003: Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire reconnect
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire reconnected in June 2003 at a charity ball where Grégoire, a television personality, was Trudeau's co-host.
2003: Eulogy Recognized as Significant Canadian Event
In 2003, Justin Trudeau's eulogy for his father was included in a CBC book listing significant Canadian events of the past fifty years, further solidifying its impact and his emergence as a public figure.
2003: Tribute to Jean Chrétien and Task Force Appointment
Justin Trudeau, alongside Olympian Charmaine Crooks, co-hosted a tribute to outgoing Prime Minister Jean Chrétien at the Liberal Party's 2003 leadership convention. He was subsequently appointed chair of a task force focused on youth renewal within the party after its defeat in the 2006 federal election.
April 2004: Inauguration of the Trudeau Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies
In April 2004, Justin Trudeau and his brother Alexandre inaugurated the Trudeau Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Toronto, a testament to their father's legacy. The center later became part of the Munk School of Global Affairs.
October 2004: Engagement of Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire
Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire got engaged in October 2004.
2004: Withdrawal from Environmental Geography Program
Justin Trudeau withdrew from a master's degree program in environmental geography at McGill University in 2004 to pursue a career in public service.
May 28, 2005: Wedding of Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire
On May 28, 2005, Justin Trudeau married Sophie Grégoire at Montreal's Sainte-Madeleine d'Outremont Church.
2005: Opposition to Zinc Mine Project
In 2005, Justin Trudeau actively opposed a proposed zinc mine project near the Nahanni River, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He argued that the mine posed significant environmental risks and advocated for the protection of this natural treasure.
September 17, 2006: Master of Ceremonies at Darfur Crisis Rally
Justin Trudeau served as master of ceremonies at a Toronto rally organized by Roméo Dallaire on September 17, 2006. The rally called for Canadian involvement in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.
October 2006: Criticism of Quebec Nationalism
In October 2006, Trudeau publicly criticized Quebec nationalism, characterizing it as an outdated concept and "a smallness of thought." This statement was perceived as a critique of Michael Ignatieff's stance on Quebec nationhood during the Liberal Party leadership election.
2006: Appointment as Chair of Task Force on Youth Renewal
Following the Liberal Party's loss in the 2006 federal election, Justin Trudeau was appointed chair of a task force on youth renewal, demonstrating his commitment to revitalizing the party and engaging younger generations.
2006: End of Chairmanship
In 2006, Justin Trudeau finished his term as chair of the Katimavik youth program.
2006: Hosting the Giller Prize Ceremony
Justin Trudeau hosted the prestigious Giller Prize ceremony for literature in 2006, showcasing his support for Canadian arts and culture.
2006: Appointed Chair of Liberal Party's Task Force on Youth Renewal
Justin Trudeau was appointed as chair of the Liberal Party's Task Force on Youth Renewal in 2006.
2006: Bloc Québécois Victory in Papineau Riding
The Papineau riding, held by the Liberal Party for over five decades, was won by the Bloc Québécois in 2006.
2006: Support for Gerard Kennedy in Liberal Leadership Election
Trudeau showed his support for Gerard Kennedy in the 2006 Liberal Party leadership election. He endorsed Kennedy shortly before the convention and even introduced him during the final speeches. When Kennedy dropped out, Trudeau shifted his support to the eventual winner, Stéphane Dion.
April 29, 2007: Wins Liberal Nomination in Papineau
Trudeau secured the Liberal Party's nomination in Papineau on April 29, 2007, receiving a majority of the votes against his opponents, Mary Deros and Basilio Giordano.
2007: Role in "The Great War"
In 2007, Justin Trudeau starred in the CBC Television miniseries "The Great War," portraying his relative, Major Talbot Mercer Papineau. The series depicted Canada's involvement in World War I, offering a poignant portrayal of the sacrifices made during the conflict.
2007: Decision to Run in Papineau Riding
In 2007, despite rumors of running in a by-election in Outremont, Trudeau decided to seek the Liberal nomination in the Papineau riding for the next general election. This riding, a longtime Liberal stronghold, had recently been won by the Bloc Québécois.
2007: Birth of Xavier James Trudeau
Justin and Sophie Trudeau's first child, Xavier, was born in 2007.
October 14, 2008: Elected as MP for Papineau
Trudeau won the election in Papineau against Bloc Québécois incumbent Vivian Barbot on October 14, 2008. His victory garnered significant attention due to his family name and he entered Parliament under scrutiny as a potential future Prime Minister.
December 2008: Michael Ignatieff Becomes Liberal Leader
Michael Ignatieff assumed leadership of the Liberal Party in December 2008, succeeding Dion.
2008: Enters Parliament, Joins Official Opposition
Following the Conservative Party's minority government win in the 2008 election, Trudeau joined the Parliament as a member of the Official Opposition. His first legislative motion aimed to establish a national voluntary service policy for youth.
2008: Reflection on Childhood
In 2008, Justin Trudeau fondly recounted his camping trips with his father as some of his most cherished childhood memories. He highlighted these trips as times when his father could simply be "dad", escaping the pressures of his political life.
2008: Elected to the House of Commons
Justin Trudeau was elected to represent the riding of Papineau in the House of Commons in the 2008 federal election.
2008: Considered Potential Successor to Dion
Following Dion's resignation as Liberal leader in 2008, Trudeau emerged as a favored potential candidate in public opinion polls. Despite the support, he chose not to contest the leadership, paving the way for Michael Ignatieff to become the party leader in December 2008.
April 2009: Co-Chairs Liberal National Convention
In April 2009, Trudeau co-chaired the Liberal Party's national convention in Vancouver. He was then appointed as the party's critic for multiculturalism and youth in October that year.
2009: Becomes Official Opposition Critic for Youth and Multiculturalism
In 2009, Justin Trudeau served as the Liberal Party's Official Opposition critic for youth and multiculturalism.
2009: Justin Trudeau's Comments on His Parents' Marriage
In 2009, Justin Trudeau spoke about his parents' marriage, acknowledging their love for each other while also pointing out the challenges they faced due to their age difference and his father's political life.
2009: Birth of Ella-Grace Margaret Trudeau
Justin and Sophie Trudeau's second child, Ella-Grace, was born in 2009.
September 2010: Becomes Critic for Youth, Citizenship, and Immigration
Trudeau's role within the Liberal Party shifted in September 2010 when he was appointed as the critic for youth, citizenship, and immigration. During his time in this position, he voiced his criticism against the government's legislation on human smuggling, arguing that it unfairly punished the victims.
2010: Mandatory long-form census scrapped
The mandatory long-form census was scrapped in 2010, a decision later reversed by the Trudeau government.
2010: Advocates for Increased Haiti Relief Efforts
In the aftermath of the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, Trudeau called for Canada to increase its relief efforts. Given the significant Haitian community in his riding, he was particularly vocal about seeking more accessible immigration procedures for Haitians seeking refuge in Canada.
2010: Trudeau makes controversial comments about Alberta
In 2010, Trudeau made comments about Alberta, stating that "Canada isn't doing well right now because it's Albertans who control our community and socio-democratic agenda." These comments resurfaced during the by-election and Trudeau later apologized for them.
August 2011: Financial Holdings Revealed
In August 2011, it was reported that Justin Trudeau and his brothers held shares in two numbered companies established by their father. The first company, with assets of $1.2 million at the time, provided them with regular dividends. The second company generated royalties from their father's autobiography and other sources.
2011: Justin Trudeau speaks about his faith
In 2011, Justin Trudeau publicly stated that his Catholic faith was very important to him and his values.
2011: Liberals experience significant losses in federal election
In the 2011 federal election, the Liberal Party faced a major setback, which set the stage for their resurgence in the subsequent election under Trudeau's leadership.
2011: Appointed Critic for Secondary Education and Sport
Justin Trudeau was appointed as a critic for secondary education and sport in 2011.
2011: Trudeau Considered Potential Leader After Election Loss
The Liberal Party's disappointing performance in the 2011 election led to renewed calls for Trudeau's leadership. Though seen as a potential candidate, he remained undecided about contesting the leadership.
2011: Re-elected in Papineau, Liberals Fall to Third Party
Trudeau was re-elected in Papineau in the 2011 federal election. However, the Liberal Party experienced a significant defeat, dropping to third-party standing in the House of Commons. Despite calls for him to run for leadership, Trudeau remained undecided, citing concerns due to his family's history and his young family.
March 31, 2012: Wins Charity Boxing Match Against Patrick Brazeau
Trudeau participated in a charity boxing match against Conservative Senator Patrick Brazeau on March 31, 2012. The match, held in Ottawa, was broadcasted live and became a significant media event. To the surprise of many, Trudeau won the match in the third round.
June 2012: Urged to Reconsider Leadership Bid
After initially declining to run for leadership, Trudeau faced renewed pressure from supporters to reconsider, particularly after interim leader Bob Rae, another potential frontrunner, announced his decision not to enter the race. Public opinion polls indicated a potential surge in the Liberal Party's popularity if Trudeau were to become leader.
July 2012: Announces Reconsideration of Leadership Bid
In July 2012, influenced by public opinion polls and pressure from supporters, Trudeau announced that he would reconsider his earlier decision against seeking the Liberal leadership. He planned to reveal his final decision by the end of summer.
September 26, 2012: Media Reports on Impending Leadership Bid
Multiple media outlets reported on September 26, 2012, that Trudeau would be announcing his candidacy for the Liberal Party leadership in the following week. Despite his perceived frontrunner status, concerns arose regarding his perceived lack of experience and policy depth, with some fearing that his celebrity might discourage other qualified candidates from running.
October 2, 2012: Officially Launches Leadership Bid
Trudeau formally announced his campaign for the Liberal Party leadership at a rally in Montreal on October 2, 2012. His campaign team was notable for its young age and close ties to Trudeau. Key figures included Gerald Butts as senior advisor, Katie Telford as campaign manager, and his brother, Alexandre Trudeau, also joining as a senior advisor.
November 26, 2012: Three by-elections held during leadership campaign
On November 26, 2012, three by-elections were held during the leadership campaign. One of the races, Calgary Centre, was expected to be a close race between the Conservatives, Liberals, and Green Party.
March 13, 2013: Garneau drops out of Liberal leadership race
On March 13, 2013, Marc Garneau dropped out of the Liberal leadership race, citing polling that showed he would be unable to defeat Justin Trudeau.
April 14, 2013: Trudeau wins Liberal leadership election
On April 14, 2013, Justin Trudeau was declared the winner of the Liberal leadership election, securing a resounding victory with 80.1% of the votes.
April 2013: Appointed Critic for Post-Secondary Education, Youth and Amateur Sport
Bob Rae, the interim leader of the Liberal Party, appointed Trudeau as the critic for post-secondary education, youth, and amateur sport in the lead-up to the party's leadership convention scheduled for April 2013.
April 2013: Becomes Leader of the Liberal Party
Justin Trudeau won the leadership of the Liberal Party in April 2013.
June 2013: Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire sell their Montreal home
In June 2013, shortly after Justin Trudeau became leader of the Liberal Party, he and his wife Sophie sold their Montreal home and began renting in Ottawa.
July 2013: Trudeau establishes blind trust
In July 2013, Trudeau fulfilled his pledge to place all his assets, excluding real estate holdings, into a blind trust, a practice not commonly observed among opposition MPs, including leaders. This move aimed to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest.
2013: Elected Leader of the Liberal Party
Justin Trudeau was elected as the leader of the Liberal Party in 2013.
2013: Trudeau gives up seat at Nelson Mandela's funeral
In a gesture of respect, Trudeau relinquished his seat at Nelson Mandela's funeral in 2013, deferring to Irwin Cotler as the representative of the Liberal Party of Canada due to Cotler's significant contributions to the fight against apartheid alongside Mandela.
January 27, 2014: Trudeau escorts Chrystia Freeland and launches economic platform
On January 27, 2014, Trudeau, alongside MP Carolyn Bennett, escorted Chrystia Freeland into the House of Commons, upholding the tradition for by-election victors. Additionally, Trudeau unveiled his economic platform through an online video entitled "An economy that benefits us all," where he advocated for increased government spending, given the recent improvements in Canada's debt-to-GDP ratios.
August 18, 2014: Break-in at Justin Trudeau's home
On August 18, 2014, an intruder broke into Justin Trudeau's home, leaving a threatening note but stealing nothing.
2014: Birth of Hadrien Grégoire Trudeau
Justin and Sophie Trudeau's third child, Hadrien, was born in 2014.
October 19, 2015: Trudeau leads Liberals to victory in federal election
On October 19, 2015, after an extensive campaign period, Trudeau led the Liberal Party to a decisive victory in the federal election. The Liberals secured a strong majority government by winning 184 out of 338 seats, capturing 39.5% of the popular vote, a remarkable increase of 150 seats compared to the 2011 federal election.
November 4, 2015: Trudeau and Cabinet sworn in
Trudeau and his cabinet were sworn in on November 4, 2015, by Governor General David Johnston.
November 5, 2015: Liberals announce reinstatement of mandatory long-form census
During their first caucus meeting since forming a majority government, the Liberal Party, on November 5, 2015, declared their intention to reinstate the mandatory long-form census, which had been discontinued in 2010. This reinstatement, effective from the 2016 census, aimed to gather comprehensive demographic data.
December 3, 2015: Parliament reconvenes with new legislative priorities
On December 3, 2015, parliament reconvened with a focus on Trudeau's primary legislative goals: reducing taxes for middle-income Canadians and increasing taxes on the top 1% of earners.
2015: Leads Liberal Party to Victory in Federal Election
Justin Trudeau led his party to a majority victory in the 2015 federal election.
2015: "First Postnational State" Statement
In 2015, Justin Trudeau, in an interview with The New York Times Magazine, described his vision for Canada as potentially becoming the "first postnational state."
2015: Justin Trudeau becomes Prime Minister of Canada
In 2015, Justin Trudeau led the Liberal Party to a majority victory in the federal election, making him the 23rd prime minister of Canada.
2015: Justin Trudeau moves to Rideau Cottage
Following his 2015 election win, Justin Trudeau chose to reside at Rideau Cottage instead of the main building at Rideau Hall.
November 2016: Trudeau criticized for fundraising tactics
In November 2016, Trudeau faced criticism from opposition parties for his fundraising strategies, which were perceived as "cash for access" schemes. They argued that these events, attended by individuals paying upwards of $1500 for access to Trudeau and cabinet members, provided undue influence, particularly from foreign businesspeople seeking government favors.
2016: Right to Medically-Assisted Dying
In 2016, Canada took a significant step in healthcare by introducing the right to medically-assisted dying, reflecting a growing societal acceptance and demand for end-of-life choices.
2016: Inheritance Value Assessment
In 2016, the country estate inherited by the Trudeau brothers, designed by renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson, was estimated to be worth $2.7 million.
2016: Reinstatement of mandatory long-form census
The mandatory long-form census was reinstated in 2016, reflecting the Trudeau government's commitment to evidence-based policy-making and comprehensive data collection.
January 2017: Ethics commissioner investigates Trudeau's vacation to Aga Khan's private island
In January 2017, Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson initiated an inquiry into Trudeau's vacation with his family to the private island of Aga Khan IV in the Bahamas.
December 2017: Ethics commissioner's report finds Trudeau in violation of Conflict of Interest Act
The ethics commissioner's report, published in December 2017, concluded that Trudeau had violated four provisions of the Conflict of Interest Act during his vacation to the Aga Khan's private island. This marked a significant event as he became the first sitting Prime Minister found in breach of federal conflict of interest regulations.
2017: Trudeau introduces legislation for transparency in political fundraising
In 2017, Trudeau introduced legislation to enhance transparency in political fundraising, aiming to eliminate exclusive events like those that drew criticism in the previous year. The proposed measures sought to regulate such gatherings by mandating greater openness in political fundraising practices.
February 2018: Trudeau criticized for inviting Jaspal Atwal to dinner party
In February 2018, Trudeau faced criticism for his government's decision to invite Khalistani nationalist Jaspal Atwal to a dinner party hosted by the Canadian High Commission in Delhi. Atwal's controversial past, including convictions for attempted murder and assault, sparked outrage, leading to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) revoking the invitation and issuing an apology for the incident.
December 2018: Meng Wanzhou Arrest
In December 2018, the arrest of Meng Wanzhou, a Huawei executive, at Vancouver International Airport at the request of the United States, sparked a major diplomatic crisis between Canada and China.
2018: Diplomatic Row with Saudi Arabia
Canada's relationship with Saudi Arabia deteriorated sharply in 2018 when Saudi Arabia recalled its ambassador and froze trade in retaliation to Canada's call for the release of jailed blogger Raif Badawi.
2018: Cannabis Legalization
In 2018, Canada became the second country globally to legalize recreational cannabis, a move reflecting evolving social attitudes and a desire to regulate its distribution and consumption.
2018: Response to Allegations
When questioned about the groping incident in 2018, Justin Trudeau stated he had no recollection of any negative events from that period. His apology and subsequent statements were met with mixed reactions, with some criticizing his response as hypocritical, while others viewed it as an attempt to discredit him.
February 8, 2019: SNC-Lavalin Affair Begins
On February 8, 2019, allegations surfaced that the Prime Minister's Office, under Justin Trudeau, had pressured Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould regarding the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin. Trudeau denied the allegations, prompting an ethics investigation and a series of hearings by the House of Commons Justice Committee.
March 19, 2019: Justice Committee Investigation Shut Down
On March 19, 2019, Liberal members of the Justice Committee voted to end the investigation into the SNC-Lavalin affair, a move that drew criticism from opposition parties.
August 14, 2019: Ethics Commissioner Finds Trudeau in Violation of Conflict of Interest Act
On August 14, 2019, the ethics commissioner concluded an investigation into the SNC-Lavalin affair, finding that Justin Trudeau had violated Section 9 of the Conflict of Interest Act. This finding stemmed from Trudeau's attempts to influence the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin.
September 11, 2019: Trudeau Triggers Federal Election
On September 11, 2019, Justin Trudeau visited Governor General Julie Payette and formally requested the dissolution of Parliament, triggering a federal election. This decision came amidst the ongoing SNC-Lavalin affair and ahead of the scheduled 2019 election.
September 2019: Additional Instances of Blackface Surface
In September 2019, following the publication of a brownface photo, additional instances of Justin Trudeau wearing blackface emerged. These incidents, which occurred during his time as a teacher, sparked outrage and condemnation, leading Trudeau to issue multiple apologies.
September 18, 2019: Brownface Photo Published by Time Magazine
On September 18, 2019, Time magazine published a photo of Justin Trudeau wearing brownface makeup at a 2001 party. This sparked immediate controversy and led to the surfacing of additional instances of Trudeau in blackface, further impacting his campaign.
2019: Liberals Win Minority Government
The Liberal Party, led by Justin Trudeau, won a minority government in the 2019 federal election.
2019: Increased Arms Sales to Saudi Arabia
Despite international criticism and a declared moratorium on arms sales to Saudi Arabia following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Canada, under Justin Trudeau, doubled its arms sales to the kingdom in 2019.
2019: Single-Use Plastic Ban Pledge
In 2019, aiming to reduce plastic pollution, Justin Trudeau pledged to ban single-use plastics in Canada.
2019: Allegations of Chinese government interference in Canadian federal elections
Allegations of Chinese government interference arose concerning the 2019 and 2021 Canadian federal elections.
April 2020: Trudeau Government Introduces Economic Measures in Response to COVID-19
In April 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit Canada, Justin Trudeau's government implemented several economic relief measures. These included the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Canada Emergency Business Account, and the Canada Emergency Student Benefit.
May 12, 2020: Canada Announces Vaccine Deal with CanSino Biologics
On May 12, 2020, Justin Trudeau's government announced a deal with CanSino Biologics for a COVID-19 vaccine. However, this deal ultimately fell through due to strained relations between Canada and China.
July 3, 2020: Ethics Commissioner Launches Investigation into WE Charity Deal
On July 3, 2020, Canada's ethics commissioner initiated an investigation into the Trudeau government's decision to award WE Charity a contract to administer a student grant program. This decision faced scrutiny due to the charity's ties to the Trudeau family, leading to accusations of conflict of interest.
July 16, 2020: Ethics Investigation Expands to Finance Minister Bill Morneau
On July 16, 2020, the ethics commissioner expanded the investigation into the WE Charity affair to include Finance Minister Bill Morneau. This came after revelations about payments made to Trudeau's family members by the charity. While Trudeau was eventually cleared, Morneau was found to have breached conflict of interest rules.
August 5, 2020: Canada Secures Deals for Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines
On August 5, 2020, the Canadian government, under Justin Trudeau, secured agreements with Pfizer and Moderna for their COVID-19 vaccines. This marked a significant step in Canada's fight against the pandemic, paving the way for the eventual rollout of a mass vaccination program.
December 2020: Canada Begins Mass Vaccination Program
In December 2020, under Justin Trudeau's leadership, Canada initiated its mass COVID-19 vaccination program. This marked a critical turning point in the country's efforts to combat the pandemic and protect its citizens.
2020: Unsuccessful UN Security Council Bid
Canada faced a setback in its international aspirations in 2020 when it failed to secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council. This marked the second unsuccessful attempt for Canada, the previous one being in 2009 under Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
2020: Response to Nova Scotia Attacks
In 2020, Justin Trudeau's government announced an "assault-style" weapons ban in response to the tragic Nova Scotia attacks.
2020: Joint Federal/Provincial Commission into the Nova Scotia attacks launched
The Joint Federal/Provincial Commission into the 2020 Nova Scotia attacks was launched in partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia.
2020: Economic Policy and COVID-19 Pandemic
The Trudeau government's economic policies, initially focused on raising tax revenue to fund increased spending, faced significant challenges in 2020 with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite reducing Canada's debt-to-GDP ratio in his first term, the pandemic forced a shift in economic priorities.
2020: Canada Faces Second and Third Waves of COVID-19
Throughout 2020, Canada experienced subsequent waves of COVID-19 infections, with a significant second wave in the fall and a more severe third wave in the spring of 2021. The Trudeau government continued to adapt its response, extending aid programs and adjusting public health measures.
August 15, 2021: Dissolution of Parliament and Election Announcement
On August 15, 2021, amidst the backdrop of the Fall of Kabul, Justin Trudeau advised Governor General Mary Simon to dissolve parliament and set a federal election date for September 20, 2021.
September 2021: CERB Phased Out, Replaced by Recovery Benefits
In September 2021, the Canadian government began phasing out the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), replacing it with the Canada Recovery Benefit (CBR). This transition aimed to provide continued support while shifting towards economic recovery.
September 2021: Release of Meng Wanzhou, Spavor, and Kovrig
After prolonged detention in China, Michael Spavor and Michael Kovrig were released in September 2021, coinciding with the release of Meng Wanzhou in Canada. This simultaneous release fueled speculation of a prisoner exchange agreement between the United States and China.
December 2021: Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit Expanded Amid Omicron Surge
In December 2021, as the Omicron variant of COVID-19 spread rapidly, the Canadian government expanded the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit. This expansion aimed to provide financial assistance to those impacted by renewed lockdowns and restrictions.
2021: Another Minority Government for the Liberals
Justin Trudeau led the Liberals to another minority government in the 2021 federal election.
2021: 2021 Federal Election Victory and Third Mandate
In 2021, Justin Trudeau secured a third mandate as Prime Minister, but with a second minority government after the Liberal party won 160 seats. This victory was bittersweet, as they garnered 32.6% of the national popular vote, marking the lowest for a governing party in Canadian history.
2021: Allegations of Chinese government interference in Canadian federal elections
Allegations of Chinese government interference arose concerning the 2019 and 2021 Canadian federal elections.
2021: National Child Care Plan
In 2021, aiming to alleviate the financial burden on parents and promote greater gender equality, Justin Trudeau announced an ambitious national child care plan. The plan aimed to lower daycare fees to $10 per day per child within five years.
January 15, 2022: Canada Convoy Protest Begins
Beginning on January 15, 2022, the "Freedom Convoy," a large-scale protest against COVID-19 vaccine mandates for truckers, swept across Canada, with various routes converging in Ottawa.
February 14, 2022: Emergencies Act Invoked
On February 14, 2022, in an unprecedented move since its enactment in 1988, Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act in response to the ongoing public order emergency caused by the Ottawa protests.
February 23, 2022: Emergencies Act Revoked
The federal government, under Justin Trudeau, revoked the Emergencies Act on February 23, 2022, officially ending its use after being in effect for over a month.
March 22, 2022: Confidence and Supply Agreement with NDP
The Liberal party, led by Justin Trudeau, entered into a confidence and supply agreement with the NDP on March 22, 2022. This agreement ensured NDP support for the Liberals in confidence votes throughout the 44th Parliament, in exchange for progress on key NDP priorities. The deal effectively prevented a potential early election, enabling the minority Trudeau government to complete its term until the 2025 election.
November 2022: Increased Immigration Target
In November 2022, the Trudeau government announced plans to increase immigration significantly, setting a target of 500,000 immigrants per year by 2025. This policy reflected Canada's commitment to diversity and its need for skilled workers.
December 2022: Single-Use Plastic Ban Implementation
Taking concrete steps towards their commitment, the Canadian government, in December 2022, announced a ban on the production and import of single-use plastics. This ban, coming into effect in phases, represented a significant move towards reducing plastic waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
2022: RCMP considers criminal charges against Trudeau
Reports emerged in 2022 that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police had contemplated filing criminal charges against Trudeau in connection with the Aga Khan vacation controversy.
February 17, 2023: Inquiry Concludes on Emergencies Act
A year later, on February 17, 2023, a judicial inquiry into the use of the Emergencies Act concluded that the Trudeau government's decision to invoke the act had met the required legal threshold.
August 2, 2023: Separation of Justin Trudeau and Sophie Grégoire
Justin Trudeau announced his separation from Sophie Grégoire on August 2, 2023.
September 2023: Allegations Against India and Diplomatic Fallout
In September 2023, Justin Trudeau made a startling announcement, stating that Canada possessed "credible intelligence" suggesting the Indian government's involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, in Surrey. This accusation sparked a severe diplomatic crisis between Canada and India, marking a low point in bilateral relations.
October 7, 2023: Condemnation of Hamas and Support for Israel
As the Israel-Hamas war erupted, Justin Trudeau, on October 7, 2023, publicly condemned the actions of Hamas and expressed Canada's unwavering support for Israel's right to self-defense.
December 2023: Single-Use Plastic Sale Ban
Further strengthening their commitment to reducing plastic waste, the sale of single-use plastics was banned in December 2023.
2023: Pharmacare Impasse Threatens Deal
In 2023, disagreements over pharmacare, particularly the NDP's push for a single-payer system and initial coverage of specific drugs, brought the Liberal-NDP agreement to the brink of collapse. The NDP had agreed to extend the deadline for the development of a Canada Pharmacare Act to March 1 of the following year, highlighting the challenges in the negotiations.
2024: Court Ruling on Emergencies Act
In early 2024, a Federal Court judge ruled that the government's invocation of the Emergencies Act to quell the 2022 convoy protest was unjustified, thus violating Charter rights. The government intends to appeal the decision.
2024: Agreement Reached on Pharmacare
Early in 2024, the Liberals and NDP reached a critical agreement on pharmacare, salvaging their deal and averting a potential political crisis. The agreement included provisions for covering diabetes and contraceptive drugs before the full implementation of the pharmacare program.
2025: Single-Use Plastic Export Ban
In 2025, Canada plans to implement a ban on the export of single-use plastics, demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility. This policy aims to further curb plastic pollution and encourage the use of sustainable alternatives.
2030: Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Target
Canada, under the Trudeau government, set ambitious targets to combat climate change, pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% before 2030.
2050: Net-Zero Emissions Target
Further solidifying their commitment to environmental sustainability, Canada set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This ambitious goal demonstrated a dedication to transitioning to a cleaner and more sustainable future.