Bill Morneau’s new book
Dan Albas – Jan 19, 2023 / 11:00 am | Story: 407013
Photo: Contributed
Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola MP Dan Albas
Recently Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s former star finance minister, Bill Morneau, authored a book titled “Where To From Here, A Path to Canadian Prosperity”.
As is common when promoting a new book, Morneau has conducted several media interviews. What is less common is Morneau leveled some heavy and serious criticism against Trudeau and his office.
Morneau makes several allegations along a theme suggesting Trudeau often ignores or rejects “carefully considered calculations” for announcements that sound good or are too focused on the “news cycle and social media” dictated decision-making, arguing that Trudeau has lost sight of fiscal prudence and the goal of securing Canada’s long-term prosperity.
The former finance minister summarizes Trudeau’s style of governance by stating: “During the period when the largest government expenditures as a portion of GDP were made in the shortest time since the advent of World War II, calculations and recommendations from the Ministry of Finance were basically disregarded in favor of winning a popularity contest.”
As a member of the official Opposition, none of this comes as any surprise as these comments do tend to accurately reflect the governing style of Trudeau. What does come as a surprise Trudeau’s former finance minister is now openly coming out and stating it so publicly.
My reason for sharing the comments from the former finance minister is not to focus on the style of governance by the government but rather something else. In his book, Morneau alleges Trudeau used vaccine mandates as a wedge issue during the 2021 election and suggests that doing so “further polarized the debate in Canada.”
My question this week relates to this statement.
As we enter 2023 and have now been collectively dealing with the impacts and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic going on three years, many people have experienced this period very differently.
So my question this week is:
Based on your own experiences in life, do you encounter more polarization today compared to what you experienced pre-pandemic?
I can be reached at [email protected] or call toll free 1-800-665-8711.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.