the selection of reformist Trudeau was initially a welcome sign to Canada-watchers in the west after the downfall of the hardline Harper regime, but hopes for freedom were quashed after it became clear that he was more interested in maintaining internal stability at the cost of civil liberties. Despite countless personal and political scandals, Trudeau has held an iron grip on power for nearly 7 years, and in a country without term limits, it is unclear how long he will remain in charge.