The resignation of Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, after nearly a decade in office, is not entirely unexpected, especially given the recent internal discord, multiple ministerial resignations, economic challenges, and a growing anti-incumbency against him. Despite this recent backlash and downfall, however, his leadership embodied a commitment to open borders, diversity, and multiculturalism. His now-infamous policies on immigration and inclusivity originally positioned Canada as a global leader in promoting humanitarian values and the free movement of people. His resignation carries a symbolic weight, marking a major loss for liberal internationalism and the idea of an inclusive world order.
Achilles’ Heel
As Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister of Canada in 2015, his government implemented significant changes in immigration policies, aiming to position Canada as an inclusive and diverse nation welcoming newcomers from around the world. One of the first major shifts was increasing immigration targets. Under his leadership, the country set ambitious goals, including admitting 300,000 permanent residents annually by 2017, a substantial increase from the previous Conservative government’s target of 260,000. By 2021, Canada aimed to welcome 401,000 new permanent residents, the highest level in the nation’s history. This policy was driven by the need to address economic slowdown and labor shortages.
Trudeau’s government also focused on refugee resettlement, successfully rehabilitating 25,000 Syrian refugees in 2015, and expanded resettlement programs for refugees from Afghanistan. Prioritizing diversity and inclusivity, his immigration policies also encompassed special programs for vulnerable groups, such as LGBTQ+ refugees and those affected by natural disasters. At the same time, economic immigration was a cornerstone of his strategy, with initiatives like Express Entry, the Start-Up Visa program, and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) to attract skilled workers and address critical gaps in sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction. Additionally, programs to support family reunification were also bolstered by his government.
However, in recent years, these policies have faced mounting challenges. As immigration levels rose, issues such as housing shortages, job competition, and strain on social services grew more prominent. In 2024, Trudeau acknowledged that his immigration strategy had led to unintended consequences, including the exploitation of the system by “bad actors,” such as fake colleges and large corporations. In response, the government announced a 21 percent reduction in the number of permanent residents accepted in 2025, cutting the target to 395,000, from 485,000 in 2024. The policy changes also included reductions in temporary foreign workers and international students. The government also ended the popular Study Direct Stream (SDS) fast-track visa program, which had previously attracted thousands of international students, particularly from developing countries.
Overall, the trajectory of Trudeau’s immigration policies is a case in point of how countries face the challenge of balancing the need for economic growth with the pressures on domestic infrastructure, public services, and local population sentiments. His resignation underscores how immigration policy, once a cornerstone of his leadership, ultimately became a major point of contention, leading to his political downfall. It reveals the complexities and consequences of setting overreaching immigration targets in a rapidly changing political landscape marked by rising nationalism and eroding internationalism.
The Defeat of Liberal Internationalism
Domestically, Trudeau’s resignation, given the economic challenges and mounting discontent among Canadians, seemed unavoidable. But at the same time, it may also serve as a catalyst, triggering a wider reorientation of political priorities worldwide, accelerating the shift toward nationalism and isolationism, and a major setback to the vision of liberal internationalism.
Liberal internationalism, at its core, is based on the idea that global interdependence, inclusivity, and shared prosperity lead to greater stability and peace. Since assuming office in 2015, Trudeau has been one of the foremost proponents of liberal internationalism. He positioned Canada as a global leader in promoting diversity, human rights, and immigration, framing these values as central to Canada’s identity. His government’s policies reflected this commitment: welcoming refugees, increasing immigration quotas to sustain economic growth, and supporting global initiatives such as the Paris Climate Agreement. Trudeau’s brand of liberal internationalism has stood as a beacon of progressive values, particularly in contrast to the more isolationist and populist stances emerging around the world.
However, Trudeau’s vision of an inclusive and open Canada crumbled under the rise of populist and nationalist movements, largely a response to uncontrolled and record-breaking immigration. Now, his resignation may be seen as a cautionary tale for other world leaders who advocate for liberal internationalism. The political fallout from his immigration policies, compounded by economic pressures and domestic opposition, may prompt leaders worldwide to reassess their positions. As a result, the world is likely to witness a profound shift toward more restrictive policies, as leaders seek to avoid the same pitfalls, fearing electoral consequences and social unrest.
That said, liberal internationalism, throughout its history, has experienced both periods of triumph and setbacks. Scholars have long debated its future, particularly during challenging moments like the War on Terror, the rise of China, the surge of populist movements across Europe, the election of Donald Trump, and the growing role of the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, each prompting warnings about the potential decline of the liberal world order. Today, with Trudeau’s resignation and Trump’s return to power, the signs are clear: liberal internationalism is in decline, and this time, its recovery may not be as straightforward.
