There is a new kid on the block and he is putting Canada on the global relevance map.
Prime minister Justin Trudeau is the second youngest prime minister in the history of Canada – in December he will only be 45 years old. That is one year younger than when Barack Obama, outgoing US president, took office. This is a big deal.
Not only does Trudeau hold that record, but he is the only son of a former prime minister – Pierre Trudeau – to hold office.
Ironically, Justin came to prominence because of his father’s funeral. It was at this funeral where he gave a moving tribute to his father. This appears to have been the beginning of his political career.
Apart from his academic achievements, Trudeau is also the Liberal Party leader. For his age, this is an achievement.
When his victory was announced and he assumed office in October last year, I immediately started following his progress.
He made an unprecedented move when he announced his cabinet. It is the most diverse in (Canadian) history. Half of his cabinet is women. According to Trudeau, he wanted a cabinet that looks “like Canada.”
He reminded me of someone – Barack Obama, back in 2008.
Trudeau, like Obama at the time, is a young prime minister.
He possesses the charm, eloquence, and gravitas required at that level.
He – like Obama – is an excellent orator.
He – like Obama – is tech savy and uses that to his advantage.
He – like Obama – is highly intelligent.
He – like Obama – is one of the guys you hate to like because it seems they can’t get anything wrong.
Oh, and he is fluent in both English and French (like a true Canadian, I suppose).
The Trudeaus recently paid their neighbours, the Obamas, an official visit to the White House. He was the first Canadian prime minister to visit the White House in at least 20 years.
During the two-day state visit, the media had a field day, dubbing the Trudeau-Obama relationship one of the greatest “bromances” of all time. It certainly looked like it.
Arms around each other’s shoulders and the friendly banter between speeches. It was something to admire.
The Canadian PM recently displayed his charm in a brawl during one of the Canadian parliamentary sessions. Members of opposite sides of the house seemed to be close to exchanging blows when he walked across and broke up the fight. In the process, it is alleged that he elbowed a female MP. Facing this accusation, the prime minister immediately stood up and issued a heartfelt apology. Moments later he was receiving a standing ovation for being honest and open.
Now here is a leader.
I am sure, he – like many others – comes with his imperfections.
But what is most striking about him is that he represents hope – like Obama did when he assumed office.
He represents a shift and a change of the guard. A young leader looking to take international politics in a different direction – that of dialogue and not conflict.
We’ll be watching Justin very closely and hope he can inspire a new way of doing this things and expand his influence beyond Canada.
Good luck Mr Prime Minister!