Will Canada follow the United States in a shift to the right, or will it preserve its values of modesty, tolerance, and community-mindedness?
January 6 is associated with the U.S. Capitol insurrection, but this year it marked a significant event in Canadian politics. Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party and as Prime Minister.
Politics has always intrigued me, though I write about it sparingly. Over time, I have become more invested in broader themes, such as psychology and spirituality. I see spirituality as a deeper framework shaping how conservatives and liberals process the world—an outlook that informs their values, priorities, and responses to political challenges. In this series, I begin with Trudeau’s resignation and then examine key issues in Canadian politics, explaining how conservatives and liberals think and feel about them differently. My hope is that this explanation can illuminate areas of common ground and foster greater civility.
Leaders rarely relinquish power willingly. The events of January 6, 2021, in the United States demonstrated this, as Donald Trump orchestrated an effort to overturn the election results. In 2024, Joe Biden initially resisted stepping aside from his re-election campaign. As I previously wrote: “After five decades in politics, Biden’s confidence was unshaken. Having defeated Trump once, he was intent on doing it again, despite his age and performance in debates.” Biden’s colleagues—Schumer, Pelosi, Obama—intervened, urging him to step down. Biden held out for more than three weeks, asserting that only the “Lord Almighty” could get him to drop out. Eventually, he relented. He stepped aside and endorsed Kamala Harris. While it did not ultimately secure a Democratic victory, Biden’s actions exemplified humility and pragmatism, contrasting sharply with Trump’s approach.
In Trudeau’s case, humility was less evident. Mounting internal pressure began in October when 24 MPs signed a letter urging his resignation. The tipping point came with Chrystia Freeland’s resignation. Freeland, a standout member of Trudeau’s team, had skillfully managed critical files, including trade negotiations with the Trump administration. However, her removal before the current round of talks raised questions. Her departure stunned the nation, intensifying calls for Trudeau to step down.
Trudeau’s resignation speech was brief and lacked introspection. He blamed his departure on internal conflicts within the party and did not acknowledge personal missteps. Regarding Freeland, he hinted at private disagreements, suggesting a narrative different from hers. This lack of self-awareness stood in stark contrast to Biden’s exit.
I considered other explanations for Trudeau’s stubbornness. He may have hoped to observe developments in the U.S. elections before finalizing his strategy. Perhaps he intended a late switch to a new leader to catch the Conservatives off guard. Maybe he planned to go down with the Liberal ship, avoiding another Kim Campbell 2.0 disaster. Such deliberations are often revealed only years later in political memoirs.
Trudeau prorogued Parliament until March 24, providing the Liberals with time to organize a leadership vote. A new leader will be announced on March 9, just ahead of a likely non-confidence vote and a spring election. Current polling suggests a Conservative landslide.
The stakes are high. Issues such as climate change, trade relations with the U.S., housing, and the cost of living dominate public discourse. Other topics, including the ongoing genocide in Gaza, the impact of artificial intelligence on jobs, gun control, gender equity, and electoral reform, could emerge as pivotal during the campaign. These issues reflect deeper ideological divides between conservatives and liberals, rooted in how each group perceives and prioritizes challenges.
Psychology and spirituality play a role in shaping these perceptions. Conservatives often emphasize order, tradition, and personal responsibility, grounded in a worldview that sees individuals as navigating a world of inherent risk. Liberals, by contrast, may prioritize collective solutions, progress, and empathy, reflecting a belief in human potential and interconnectedness. These differences are not merely political; they represent distinct spiritual outlooks on life. Recognizing this can help us move beyond polarization to a place of mutual understanding.
How these issues unfold will shape Canada’s future. Will the country follow the United States in a shift to the right, or will it preserve its values of modesty, tolerance, and community-mindedness? In this series, I will explore how conservative and liberal mindsets influence their views on critical issues and propose ways to find common ground. By understanding the emotional and spiritual factors that drive their values, we can foster a more civil and constructive political discourse.
Last Updated on May 15, 2025 | Published: January 11, 2025