We don’t yet know if the next federal election in Canada will be before or after the US presidential campaign in 2024, but we do know that Justin Trudeau will try to take advantage of Donald Trump’s return to prominence.

In recent years, Justin Trudeau hasn’t hesitated to scare Canadians by brandishing Donald Trump’s scarecrow. This allowed him to put on his Captain Canada costume.

Moreover, to define his main opponent, Pierre Poilievre, the Liberal leader will not hesitate to establish links with the former American president.

New Head of Diplomacy

When Donald Trump took control of the White House in early 2017, Justin Trudeau named Chrystia Freeland Secretary of State.

This changing of the guard in Canadian diplomacy was clearly a reaction to the election of the new President.

Cleverly, we saw how the Trudeau team was able to take advantage of the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Expectations were so low.

We had to lose everything to Donald Trump. So, M^Me Freeland was considered a heroine.

Today, six years later, the Trudeau government no longer has the same aura on the international stage. We don’t feel that Canada is a leader on current issues around the world, and indulgence in China makes us curious about the credibility we have with our allies like the United States.

Before you play the trump card

It is clear that Donald Trump will be at the center of liberal strategies. Comparisons between Pierre Poilievre and Trump will be the order of the day before and during the next election campaign.

But before he plays the Trump card, Justin Trudeau needs to put other elements of his game on the table.

It should begin with a public inquiry into Chinese interference, followed by a reshuffle of his cabinet and possibly adjournment of the session.

It is an almost obligatory passage for the Liberal leader. He cannot continue on the previous path.

Justin Trudeau is no doubt eager to talk about Donald Trump, but first he needs to reshuffle his cards.