Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has described Kamala Harris’s loss in the U.S. presidential election as a significant setback for women’s progress, expressing concerns over the growing threats to women’s rights globally. Speaking at the Equal Voice gala in Ottawa, an organization dedicated to increasing the representation of women in politics, Trudeau criticized regressive political forces and reaffirmed his stance as a feminist ally.
“We were supposed to be on a steady, if difficult, march towards progress,” Trudeau said. “And yet, just weeks ago, the United States voted for a second time to not elect its first woman president. Women’s rights and progress are under attack.” He underscored his government’s commitment to advancing gender equality and ensuring women’s rights remain a priority.
While Trudeau’s remarks were framed within a Canadian context, they also appeared to criticize U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, whose first term saw the appointment of Supreme Court justices pivotal in overturning abortion rights with the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health decision. Harris’s defeat in November dashed the hopes of many Americans seeking to see a woman take the Oval Office for the first time.
Rising Tensions with the U.S.
Trudeau’s comments come during a tense period for Canada-U.S. relations. Trump recently mocked Trudeau on social media, referring to him as the “governor” of Canada and joking about the nation becoming the 51st state. Trudeau dismissed the remarks but has indicated Canada is prepared to respond if Trump implements a proposed 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods, a move reminiscent of earlier trade disputes.
Criticism of Conservative Leadership
During the gala, Trudeau also took aim at Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who was absent from the event. He commended NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Green Party Leader Elizabeth May for their consistent support for women’s issues, contrasting their actions with the Conservatives. Trudeau highlighted his government’s gender-balanced cabinet, its record of appointing women to the judiciary and Senate, and policies such as subsidized child care, a gender-based violence strategy, and a forthcoming pharmacare program covering contraceptives.
Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman responded at the event by criticizing Trudeau’s approach. Without naming him, she accused some leaders of relying on “lofty platitudes” and promoting quotas that she said undermine merit and excellence. She argued that meaningful change requires substance over symbolism, pointing to rising issues like sexual assaults and human trafficking as areas needing urgent attention.
Advancing Women’s Progress
Trudeau defended his government’s actions, emphasizing that increasing women’s representation has brought tangible policy advancements. “We don’t just believe in a woman’s right to choose — we act on it,” he said, underscoring his government’s proactive measures to safeguard women’s rights. While debates over the best strategies to promote gender equity persist, Trudeau reiterated his commitment to supporting women in leadership and ensuring progress continues in the face of setbacks.
