Is Canada Stuck in a Broken Fixing System?
How attempts to solve problems can backfire—demanding accountability for failed solutions.
It’s late, and you’re scrolling.
Your thumb stops.
“People are hurting,” says the leader. But—hold up—who’s been behind the wheel for nine years? WHAM—political irony smacks you in the face. ​
We’re not living in the old days of unchecked propaganda. The Lee Atwater time is over. Smart people with smart phones is a power duo—fact-checking and calling out nonsense can happen in real time. Political communication strategists can't control the national mood like it’s the 80s. ​​
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Let's unpack this tug-of-war between the Canadian Prime Minister’s words aired on Late Night, and the political contradiction underneath.
On one side, there’s sympathy for the “hurting,” and on the other, a track record that allowed those very struggles to deepen. Lordy! Leadership can really dance around accountability! It’s a masterclass in deflection.​
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There’s a cognitive dissonance at play here—mental discomfort from holding contradictory beliefs. On one hand, Trudeau acknowledges the suffering; on the other, he’s reluctant to fully own the consequences. To reduce the discomfort, he justifies his role by emphasizing his government’s actions to mitigate damage, suggesting that others would have done worse.
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These conflicting forces—empathy versus distancing from blame—reflect the antagonistic dynamic in his messaging. His need to emotionally connect to maintain trust clashes with his need to protect his reputation and legacy.
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Let's agree that external factors like rising costs due to global events, among other matters are part of the problem. However, this does not absolve leadership from its responsibility for the direct impact they have. Let's not downplay the consequences, which are far from abstract and devastatingly real. The human toll is stark: families forced to move, relationships strained by financial stress, and individuals across all walks of life putting their dreams on hold. Professionals are forced to reconsider their fields, entrepreneurs struggle to sustain their businesses, and retirees worry about outliving their savings. From postponing education to delaying homeownership and family planning, the effects of economic uncertainty are far-reaching.
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So when leaders acknowledge problems but fail to face accountability, doesn't that send a message that the very real human suffering caused by policy failures doesn’t matter enough?
And just to be clear, this isn't about choosing sides. This is a reflection about calling for more from those elected to represent us. We can't settle for slogans and understatements. Canada needs to heal, and the government’s decision now is whether to prolong the inevitable or step aside with a bit more dignity.
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By Melisa Barrilli
Oct 14, 2024