Since becoming Canada's prime minister in 2015, Justin Trudeau's promises to enhance the lives of the middle class resonated with many Canadians, including Shivaan Burke, who worked for a local Liberal MP. However, a decade later, as Trudeau announces his resignation amidst widespread voter dissatisfaction, Burke expresses disappointment in the lack of improvements to her family's daily life in Peterborough, Ontario.
Burke, a local government contract worker, notes the alarming rise in grocery prices and housing costs in Peterborough, a town once sought after by those escaping high real estate prices in Toronto. Many middle-class Canadians, who initially supported Trudeau, are increasingly frustrated by a high cost of living and stagnant incomes.
A recent survey from the Royal Bank of Canada reveals that 55 percent of respondents feel financially paralyzed due to rising costs. With national elections on the horizon, Trudeau's Liberal Party is trailing behind the Conservative Party by at least 20 percentage points, particularly in areas like Peterborough where economic concerns have shifted voter sentiment.
Trudeau's popularity has plummeted from 73 percent approval shortly after he took office to only 19 percent in a recent poll, coinciding with his announcement to resign as party leader on March 9. This decline is reflective of broader economic issues, such as soaring housing prices, which have increased by 56 percent since Trudeau took office, with Peterborough experiencing a staggering 132 percent rise.
Canadians have also faced significant increases in grocery costs, with the average family of four spending approximately 29 percent more on food since the onset of global price hikes linked to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Many, including local residents, express feelings of helplessness regarding these financial pressures.
Disappointment with Trudeau's handling of these issues is prominent among residents, with concerns over wealth disparity and the rising number of homeless individuals becoming more pronounced. Community leaders, such as Alex Bierk, emphasize the need for government prioritization of subsidized housing to address these challenges.
As Canada approaches a potential economic downturn, including the looming threat of tariffs on exports to the United States, the situation remains precarious. Local business owners, like Jim Reedyk, express disillusionment with Trudeau's government, indicating a growing sentiment that policies are failing to adequately support many Canadians.