JUSTIN TRUDEAU
Since his election to Canadian Prime Minister in 2015, Justin Trudeau has won himself something of a cult following. With his progressive comments on social issues, being open about drug use in his past, marching in Gay Prides and, of course, his good looks, Trudeau’s reputation is as a socially conscious “nice guy”.
Shortly after his election, when a reporter asked him why having the country’s first gender-balanced cabinet was important to him, he answered, “because it’s 2015” with a shrug. The moment went viral.
Fast forward to 2020, and despite coming out of recent elections a little bruised, Trudeau has won praise for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Where Trump and neighbouring America initially tried to downplay the seriousness of the outbreak, Canada managed to reduce its figures and keep them down. As the US saw simple measures like the wearing of masks in public morph into a partisan issue, Trudeau united Canadians with consistent and simple public health messaging, and a focus towards collective effort and kindness.
His decisive approach to coronavirus also mirrored the way his government reacted in the wake of one of the country’s deadliest mass shootings in Nova Scotia earlier this year. He swiftly announced a ban on assault weapons, noting, “Canadians deserve more than thoughts and prayers,” in sharp contrast to the US, where “thoughts and prayers” are usually offered up in place of actual legislation.
Many also praised his efforts to lead by example throughout the pandemic response; when his wife tested positive for COVID-19 he diligently self-isolated for two weeks. And while the country was in lockdown, he stayed within guidelines, avoiding shops, public gatherings, and even his regular haircuts.