SEE: rat, sinking ship, leaving:
Since first taking office in 2015, beyond routine cabinet shuffles, several members of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet have resigned or been removed.
However, 2024 has proven to be a record year for departures.
The unexpected resignation of Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland on Dec. 16 on top of the exit of Housing Minister Sean Fraser brings the total in 2024 to nine.
Quite simply, Justin decided it was either Chrystia Freeland or him.
He chose ... poorly:
(Sidebar: not that the fascist dumpling doesn't deserve to be out of a job but removal of Justin from the Earth's atmosphere is preference.)
As a former staffer for Trudeau’s only other finance minister, Bill Morneau, I can personally attest to the damaging effects of this culture. In 2021, I experienced firsthand how the untamed whispers and engineered leaks from senior PMO staff undermined Morneau’s credibility as he worked to safeguard our economy amid the COVID crisis. While Morneau was focused on properly investing taxpayer funds, the PMO was hyper-fixated on spending it. The treatment of Freeland can only be viewed through the same lens — a disturbing trend that has turned what should be one of the most respected offices in the country into a circus.
This trend is not just alarming; it is symptomatic of a toxic culture within the PMO that disregards the invaluable contributions of its cabinet.
In recent months, speculation about a cabinet shuffle has run rampant, with whispers of Freeland being sidelined in favour of former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor Mark Carney. The public reports of escalating tensions between Freeland and the PMO have made the situation all the more familiar — and dire. Freeland’s resignation letter left no room for misinterpretation: “On Friday, you told me you no longer want me to serve as your Finance Minister.”
This is not just a political move; it is a revealing moment that exposes the hypocrisy of a prime minister who just last week criticized Americans for electing Donald Trump, arguing that such a choice would undermine women’s advancements. This recent turn of events starkly contrasts his recent remarks and raises serious questions about his commitment to supporting female leaders in his cabinet.
The dismissal of a senior minister demonstrates the prime minister’s inability or unwillingness to self-reflect and reveals an alarming trend of prioritizing political manoeuvring over the contributions of elected officials. PMO staff are not elected representatives; they exist to serve the government and its ministers — not to undermine them for political gain. Their current mode of operation — behind-the-scenes leaks and public attacks — is both unacceptable and embarrassing. It’s time they stop hiding behind anonymous sources and public assaults, and take a deep look at how they’ve compromised the honour of their office.
The prime minister’s and PMO’s handling of Freeland also reveals a disturbing pattern of sidelining anyone who dares to disagree with him or his inner circle. At a time when Canada needs steady and principled leadership, the actions of the prime minister and his office are not only misguided — they are a betrayal of the very values he claims to uphold. ...
(Sidebar: she disagreed with him? Over a transparent attempt to buy the taxpayers' favour?)
In 2020, PMO staff attempted to subvert his character, launching a barrage of leaked stories that flooded the headlines week after week. While this onslaught took a significant toll on Morneau, his family and his team, the real victims of this political manoeuvring were Canadians. They do not elect politicians to engage in palace intrigue; they elect them to foster an economy where families can thrive, workers can succeed and dignity is not just a buzzword.
Describing Freeland’s tenure as polarizing would be an understatement. Her communication skills have faltered, and her policy record — especially concerning the economy — has faced substantial criticism. However, it is her treatment by senior PMO staff, who have reportedly sought to discredit her through anonymous sources in the press, that stands out most strikingly.
Chrystia isn't an innocent lamb here but a culprit in damaging the country to the point where it is - as is said - broken.
She is a victim of culpable opportunism. Justin needed a scapegoat and he gave the country one.
As long as he is safe, nothing else matters.
One would think that the party would turf him to save themselves.
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