Trudeau’s Decade of Discord: Every Scandal, Controversy, and Questionable Act (2015-2025)

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Below is a comprehensive numbered list of controversies, scandals, ethical breaches, corruption allegations, misuses of power, and other questionable activities associated with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau from 2015 to 2025, compiled based on available information up to February 22, 2025.

The list is organized under thematic headings for clarity. Note that some incidents are based on allegations or public perceptions rather than confirmed legal findings, and Trudeau’s responses (e.g., apologies or denials) are included where applicable.

Ethical Breaches and Conflicts of Interest

1. Aga Khan Vacation Scandal (2016-2017)

Trudeau accepted a family vacation on the private island of the Aga Khan, a billionaire whose foundation lobbies the Canadian government, in December 2016. The Ethics Commissioner ruled in December 2017 that Trudeau violated the Conflict of Interest Act by accepting the trip, including private helicopter travel, deeming it an inappropriate gift due to the Aga Khan’s dealings with Ottawa. Trudeau apologized, stating he believed it was a personal trip.

2. SNC-Lavalin Affair (2019)

Trudeau and his office were accused of pressuring then-Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould to intervene in a criminal case against SNC-Lavalin, a Quebec-based firm facing corruption and fraud charges tied to Libyan contracts. The Ethics Commissioner’s August 2019 report found Trudeau contravened Section 9 of the Conflict of Interest Act by improperly influencing Wilson-Raybould to secure a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) to protect jobs. Trudeau accepted responsibility but did not apologize, citing economic motives. This led to resignations of Wilson-Raybould and Treasury Board President Jane Philpott.

3. WE Charity Scandal (2020)

Trudeau’s government awarded a $912 million contract to WE Charity to administer the Canada Student Service Grant, despite the organization’s ties to Trudeau’s family — his mother and brother received over $200,000 for speaking engagements. The Ethics Commissioner investigated Trudeau and then-Finance Minister Bill Morneau for potential conflicts of interest. Trudeau apologized for not recusing himself, and the contract was cancelled amid public backlash. Morneau resigned in August 2020.

4. Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) “Slush Fund” Allegations (2023-2024)

Critics, including the Conservative Party, alleged the Liberals misused the SDTC fund, dubbed a “green slush fund,” to funnel money to party insiders. A 2023 Auditor General report found mismanagement and conflicts of interest in $330 million of funding, sparking parliamentary disputes. The government resisted releasing full details, fueling corruption allegations.

5. Mark Carney Appointment Controversy (2024)

Trudeau appointed Mark Carney, former Bank of Canada Governor, as a special adviser to the Liberal Party rather than a government role, allowing Carney to avoid ethics scrutiny of his private interests while advising officials. Conservatives criticized this as a loophole exploiting ethics rules.

Racial and Cultural Missteps

6. Blackface and Brownface Incidents (2019)

During the 2019 election campaign, photos and a video emerged of Trudeau in blackface and brownface from the early 2000s: once at an “Arabian Nights” party (2001), once in a high school talent show, and another unspecified event. Trudeau apologized, calling it “unacceptable” and attributing it to a “blind spot” from his privileged background, but the incidents damaged his multicultural image.

7. Cultural Appropriation During India Trip (2018)

Trudeau’s February 2018 state visit to India drew mockery for excessive traditional attire worn by him and his family, seen as pandering or cultural appropriation. The trip was further marred by the Jaspal Atwal controversy (see below).

Political Interference and Misuse of Power Allegations

8. Elbowgate (2016)

On May 18, 2016, Trudeau physically intervened in a House of Commons scuffle, accidentally elbowing NDP MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau while escorting a Conservative MP through a crowd. Critics accused him of aggression and misuse of authority; Trudeau apologized multiple times, calling it unintentional.

9. Emergencies Act Invocation (2022)

Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act in February 2022 to end the Freedom Convoy protests against COVID-19 mandates, leading to bank account freezes and arrests. Critics, including civil liberties groups, called it an overreach of power, though a 2023 judicial review upheld its use as justified. Public sentiment on X often cites this as authoritarian.

10. Censure of Speaker Greg Fergus (2023)

In October 2023, Trudeau was filmed winking and sticking out his tongue at Greg Fergus, the first Black Speaker of the House, during an introduction, prompting accusations of disrespect. Trudeau’s self-correction from “honourable” to “very honourable” added to the controversy, though he did not formally address it.

11. Expulsion of Wilson-Raybould and Philpott from Liberal Caucus (2019)

After the SNC-Lavalin affair, Trudeau expelled Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott from the Liberal caucus in April 2019, accused by critics of silencing dissent and punishing whistleblowers. This fuelled perceptions of autocratic leadership.

12. Threat of Libel Lawsuit Against Andrew Scheer (2019)

Following Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer’s accusations of corruption in the SNC-Lavalin affair, Trudeau’s lawyer sent a libel threat letter in March 2019. Scheer called it an intimidation tactic, and no lawsuit materialized, raising questions about Trudeau’s use of legal pressure.

Corruption Allegations and Financial Controversies

13. ArriveCAN Scandal (2022-2024)

The $60 million ArriveCAN app faced scrutiny for cost overruns and contracts awarded to GC Strategies, a two-person firm with no apparent expertise, sparking corruption allegations. A 2024 Auditor General report criticized mismanagement, amplifying claims of cronyism.

14. Winnipeg Labs Security Breach (2021-2023)

Trudeau’s government faced questions over the 2021 firing of two scientists from a Winnipeg biolab amid espionage concerns tied to China. Delays in transparency fuelled allegations of negligence or cover-up, though no direct corruption was proven.

15. $258 Million to GC Strategies (2020-2023)

Beyond ArriveCAN, GC Strategies received $258 million in government contracts, prompting Conservative accusations of favouritism and corruption. Details remain murky, feeding public skepticism.

16. $84,000 Jamaican Vacation (2023)

Trudeau’s family vacation in Jamaica over Christmas 2023, costing $84,000 and initially reported as self-funded, was later revealed as a gift from a wealthy donor. Critics labelled it an ethical breach, though Trudeau claimed it was cleared by the Ethics Commissioner.

17. $6,000/Night Hotel Room for Queen’s Funeral (2022)

Trudeau’s stay in a $6,000-per-night London hotel suite during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral drew outrage amid Canada’s cost-of-living crisis, seen as extravagant and tone-deaf.

18. Forgotten French Chalet (2020)

Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s failure to disclose a French villa in the WE Charity scandal implicated Trudeau’s oversight, as critics questioned his administration’s ethical standards.

Personal Conduct and Immorality Allegations

19. Groping Allegation (2000, Reported 2018)

In 2018, a 2000 editorial resurfaced alleging Trudeau groped a female reporter at a British Columbia fundraiser. Trudeau said he recalled the interaction differently and apologized if offense was caused, but denied wrongdoing. The accuser declined further comment.

20. India Trip and Jaspal Atwal Controversy (2018)

During Trudeau’s 2018 India visit, convicted Khalistani separatist Jaspal Atwal attended a Canadian event and posed with Sophie Trudeau, raising security and judgment concerns. A Liberal MP took responsibility, but Trudeau’s team was criticized for lax vetting.

21. Public Feud with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau (2023)

Trudeau’s August 2023 separation from Sophie Grégoire after 18 years was publicized amid rumours of personal strain, with some speculating infidelity (unproven). Critics tied it to his declining public image.

Policy and Governance Controversies

22. Afghanistan Evacuation Criticism (2021)

Trudeau called a 2021 election during the Afghanistan crisis, drawing ire for prioritizing politics over evacuating Canadians and allies as Kabul fell to the Taliban. The evacuation was criticized as chaotic.

23. Safe Supply Drug Program (2020-2025)

Trudeau’s support for decriminalizing small amounts of hard drugs and providing “safe supply” via vending machines in British Columbia sparked debate. Critics on X and elsewhere called it reckless, alleging it worsened overdose deaths, though data is contested.

24. Carbon Tax Backlash (2018-2025)

Trudeau’s carbon pricing policy faced ongoing resistance, with opponents alleging it burdened citizens economically while failing to meet climate goals, fueling perceptions of mismanagement.

25. Housing Crisis and Inflation (2021-2025)

Rising housing costs and inflation under Trudeau’s tenure led to accusations of economic incompetence, with critics linking it to excessive spending and policy failures, though global factors also contributed.

Miscellaneous Questionable Actions

26. Pipeline Purchase (2018)

Trudeau’s government bought the Trans Mountain Pipeline for $4.5 billion, contradicting his environmental promises. Critics called it hypocritical and a misuse of public funds.

27. Blacklisting Rebel News (2019)

During the 2019 election, Trudeau’s team barred Rebel News from debates, prompting free speech concerns and allegations of media suppression.

28. Parliament Lockout (2025)

In early 2025, amid tariff threats from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Trudeau’s government faced criticism for proroguing Parliament (alleged by some as a delay tactic), locking MPs out and stoking governance controversy.

Notes

This list reflects incidents from Trudeau’s tenure (November 2015 to his resignation announcement in January 2025) and is based on media reports, official investigations, and public sentiment (e.g., posts on X). Some allegations remain unproven or lack formal charges.
Trudeau resigned as Liberal leader on January 6, 2025, citing party pressure and external challenges like Trump’s tariffs, though scandals significantly eroded his support.