Key Takeaways
- The past 12 months in Canadian politics have been marked by significant events, including Justin Trudeau’s decision to step down as Prime Minister and the Liberal leadership race.
- Mark Carney won the Liberal leadership race and became the new Prime Minister, making several key decisions, including axing the consumer carbon tax.
- The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has been actively engaging in political debates and campaigns, including a notable victory in the Battle River-Crowfoot byelection.
- The federal budget projected a deficit of $78 billion for the current fiscal year and contained new immigration targets, including a reduction in temporary residents.
- Several high-profile politicians have made headlines, including Christy Clark, who considered running for the Liberal leadership, and Steven Guilbeault, who resigned from cabinet over the federal government’s energy deal with Alberta.
Introduction to the 2025 House News Quiz
The 2025 House news quiz is a comprehensive test of knowledge about the past 12 months in Canadian politics. Host Catherine Cullen tests a panel of Parliament Hill watchers, including Shannon Proudfoot of the Globe and Mail, Alex Ballingall of the Toronto Star, and Christopher Nardi of the National Post. The quiz covers a wide range of topics, from the Liberal leadership race to the federal budget and key decisions made by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Trudeau’s Decision to Step Down
In January, Justin Trudeau finally revealed his decision to step down as Prime Minister, six weeks after meeting with then-U.S. president-elect Donald Trump to discuss tariffs. This move sparked a series of events, including the Liberal leadership race, which was won by Mark Carney. Trudeau’s decision to step down was a significant moment in Canadian politics, marking the end of his tenure as Prime Minister and paving the way for a new leader to take the helm.
The Liberal Leadership Race
The Liberal leadership race was a highly contested and closely watched event, with several candidates vying for the top spot. Christy Clark, the former premier of British Columbia, considered running but ultimately decided not to seek the leadership. Mark Carney, the eventual winner, captured 85.9% of the points, surpassing Justin Trudeau’s 80% in the 2013 leadership race. The leadership race was marked by intense debate and discussion, with candidates presenting their visions for the future of the Liberal Party and the country.
Carney’s First Acts as Prime Minister
As Prime Minister, Mark Carney made several key decisions, including axing the consumer carbon tax, which was set to rise to $95 a tonne on April 1. He also brought in new ministers, including Ali Ehsassi and Kody Blois, and reappointed Bill Blair as defence minister. Carney’s decisions were closely watched and analyzed by politicians and pundits alike, as he sought to establish his leadership and set the tone for his government.
The Conservative Party’s Campaigns
The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has been actively engaging in political debates and campaigns. Poilievre won the Battle River-Crowfoot byelection with 80.9% of the votes and has been a vocal critic of the Liberal government. The Conservative Party has also been involved in several high-profile campaigns, including a notable advertisement featuring a 1987 radio address by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan. The ad sparked a heated debate and was widely covered in the media.
The Federal Budget
The federal budget projected a deficit of $78 billion for the current fiscal year and contained new immigration targets, including a reduction in temporary residents from 643,000 to 385,000. The budget was a significant moment in Canadian politics, as it outlined the government’s spending priorities and economic forecast. The budget was closely analyzed by politicians, pundits, and economists, who debated its merits and potential impact on the economy.
High-Profile Politicians
Several high-profile politicians have made headlines in the past 12 months, including Christy Clark, who considered running for the Liberal leadership, and Steven Guilbeault, who resigned from cabinet over the federal government’s energy deal with Alberta. Other notable politicians include Pierre Poilievre, who has been a vocal critic of the Liberal government, and Mark Carney, who has been navigating the challenges of his new role as Prime Minister.
Conclusion
The past 12 months in Canadian politics have been marked by significant events, from Justin Trudeau’s decision to step down as Prime Minister to the Liberal leadership race and the federal budget. The Conservative Party has been actively engaging in political debates and campaigns, and several high-profile politicians have made headlines. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how the various parties and politicians navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.