
© Flickr/ Alex Guibord
Mere hours after defeating Stephen Harper, Canadian Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau has told US President Obama that he will withdraw Canadian jets from Syria and Iraq.According to Reuters, the pledge was made as President Obama called to congratulate Trudeau on his election win.
The Liberal leader ran on a promise to withdraw Canada's CF-18 bombers from the US-led coalition's military campaign against the self-proclaimed Islamic State terrorist group. Earlier this year, Canada's Liberal Party fought against the Conservative government's proposal to extend combat missions from Iraq into Syria.
On the campaign trail, Trudeau also floated the idea that his administration may consider bolstering local forces in the region, and increasing Canada's humanitarian aid.
Earlier on Tuesday, the US State Department addressed questions as to whether or not it was concerned that Canada's new government may not support US foreign policy regarding IS presence in Afghanistan.
"These are all decisions the Canadian people have to make and Canadian legislators have to make...and their Prime Minister [has to make]," department spokesperson John Kirby told reporters.
"We have stood shoulder to shoulder with Canadian armed forces...in Iraq and Afghanistan," he added.
Comment: That certainly was a quick move. Will Trudeau follow through with this pledge?
... that this young man emulates another young man who similarly, decades ago, rose to power in America on promises of change, but that this one's tenure is not ended by assassins' bullets, as was our lone Presidential hero of the 20th century.
This is a quick and good start for Mr Trudeau, but endurance and determination can wane quickly, if political (read public) support is weak, and opposition strong and unrelenting. Time NOT for the progressive Canadian public to heave a sigh of relief and sit back to passively watch (as we did with BO, in America), but instead, time to double down on activism and vocalizing the progressive agenda that has been strangled and smothered in Canada for far too long. Time for even MORE hard work, and further, time to dig deeply into your reserves of righteousness and strength to support, by actions and donations, the progressive forces present, but too long stifled, in a truly great country that has been led astray, again, for far too long.
Only time will tell if Trudeau has the makings of a great progressive leader who will do the exact opposite of Obama: semi-secretly promise the world to the Oligarchs, but somehow fail to deliver and instead, make the interests of the commoner, social justice and prosperity for all, his real, true goal.
Unlikely, yes. But hope springs eternal.
But do NOT just watch, all you Canucks of character. NOW is YOUR time! You have the momentum, so don't rest on your laurels (or asses), but GET OUT THERE and DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! Show the lazy and insouciant Americans how it is done. I think everyone around the world would love to see Canada once again be a bulwark of progressive change and humanitarianism, as it once proudly was, at least in part, a long time ago.
Here in New Zealand, we are watching as our historically very progressive policies are one-by-one slowly annihilated by right-wing forces cleverly disguised. Show us how it is done, Canada. You have your chance, make the most of it.
The world is watching.
And hoping......
Good luck, and congratulations! :-)