Canada snap elections: why Justin Trudeau's gamble could backfire

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called a snap election. He claims his minority Government needs to win a majority to push through his Covid recovery plans. Critics, however, say the move is a cynical power play.

In this episode of World Review, Emily Tamkin in Washington, DC and Ido Vock in Berlin are joined from London by Canadian journalist Megan Gibson, the New Statesman’s new senior editor, International. They discuss the politics behind Mr. Trudeau’s decision, and why polls are showing a swing towards the Conservatives led by Erin O’Toole.

Then, in You Ask Us, they answer a listener question on whether the far-right People’s Party of Canada (PPC) will win enough votes to cause problems for the Conservative Party.

Further Reading

Luke Savage writes on why Justin Trudeau may come to regret his decision to call a snap election

https://www.newstatesman.com/world/americas/north-america/2021/09/why-justin-trudeaus-snap-election-is-backfiring

Megan Gibson profiles Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic Party

https://www.newstatesman.com/canada/2021/09/jagmeet-singh-the-rise-of-canadas-kingmaker

Ido Vock explains the new Australian, UK and US alliance known as AUKUS

https://www.newstatesman.com/security/2021/09/what-is-the-aukus-alliance

Rory Medcalf explores why the AUKUS deal has sparked outrage in France

https://www.newstatesman.com/security/2021/09/stab-in-the-back-how-the-new-aukus-pact-sparked-french-outrage

Jeremy Cliffe has profiled Angela Merkel, as the German Chancellor prepares to leave office

https://www.newstatesman.com/long-read/2021/09/the-fateful-chancellor-what-the-end-of-the-merkel-era-means-for-the-world

Jeremy will also be co-hosting a webinar with Michelle Kosinski of the One Decision podcast, discussing the question: “Where does the transatlantic relationship stand after Afghanistan?” It’s on on 21 September at 16.30 BST. Register for free here:

https://events.zoom.us/ev/AF2a6BUjUMcNexmewWK5c083XOFytoTRqS2O_s-VFonWzPj6zeqY-3T3Tx6X5Iqx7yL7Me4?lmt=1631816171000

**This episode is sponsored by Hexaware Technologies, who have joined the New Statesman as launch partners for our print and digital transformation. They've also sponsored the Tech Leader's Agenda - an exclusive survey into the future of technology leadership. Find out more at www.newstatesman.com/techleadersagenda. Visit the new New Statesman website at www.newstatesman.com today.**

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