Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, once admired globally for his approachable persona, finds himself embroiled in controversy both at home and abroad. With diplomatic tensions escalating between India and Canada, Trudeau is fast losing favor among Canadian citizens and is being criticized for his recent social media post celebrating the six-year anniversary of cannabis legalization in Canada.
As the diplomatic spat with India intensifies, Trudeau’s celebration of the cannabis milestone drew ire from Canadians and international observers. Many were expecting a statement on the India-Canada standoff, especially after Trudeau accused Indian agents of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar—a claim India strongly denied. Instead, Trudeau’s post on X (formerly Twitter) about cannabis legalization became a focal point for backlash, as many felt it was tone-deaf amidst pressing international issues.
Six years ago today, we changed an outdated law, took profits away from criminals, and made our communities safer.
We legalized cannabis across Canada.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) October 17, 2024
“Really? Celebrating something from six years ago? Clearly, you’ve hit rock bottom,” commented a Canadian user. Others accused him of deflecting attention from the real issues plaguing the country, with one remarking, “You forgot the part where you thereafter destroyed Canada.”
Trudeau’s post sparked a wave of sarcastic comments and anger online. One user mockingly wrote, “Next we legalize fentanyl…to make the future of Canada bright,” while others criticized him for focusing on cannabis while his party faces re-election difficulties.
With growing dissent, Trudeau’s Liberal Party of Canada is perceived to be in a difficult position for re-election. As diplomatic relations with India sour, this sentiment only seems to be deepening. Trudeau’s allegations against India, many argue, are an attempt to appease certain voter blocs within Canada, but they have only fueled the ongoing diplomatic row between the two nations.
The diplomatic dispute with India reached a new level when Canada accused Indian diplomats, including High Commissioner Sanjay Verma, of being “persons of interest” in the murder investigation of Nijjar. In retaliation, India expelled six Canadian diplomats, further straining relations between the two countries.
As Trudeau faces criticism both online and in the political arena, it remains to be seen how his government will navigate these choppy waters. However, for many, Trudeau’s focus on cannabis legalization in the midst of a diplomatic crisis appears to reflect poorly on his leadership.
