Top 10 Worst Canadian Prime Ministers

Sure, Canada might be famous for its pristine wilderness, exceptional healthcare, and an uncanny politeness of its citizens, but that doesn't mean it's immune to political blunders. And, boy, do we have a compilation that highlights exactly that.

You've been invited to weigh in on a slightly different kind of question: Who are the worst Canadian Prime Ministers? Now, this isn't a rundown of folks who didn't leave their respective offices with sky-high approval ratings or those who just ruffled some feathers. We're going beyond the surface of politics and looking through the annals of Canadian history to highlight Prime Ministers whose leadership, decisions, and actions, or lack thereof, left many of their compatriots shaking their heads in despair or frustration. These are the leaders who, despite their best intentions or possibly because of their worst ones, found themselves steering the ship of state off course or into the occasional iceberg.

But hey, before you start rolling your eyes or muttering about the unfairness of it all, let us clarify. This isn't about character assassination or scoring cheap political points. It's about genuine historical perspective and public sentiment, about lessons learned, and about shedding light on those moments when Canada's highest office was occupied by someone who, let's just say, didn't quite rise to the occasion.

The Top Ten

Justin Trudeau

With Justin Trudeau, the criticisms are multifold. His tenure saw a few ethical breaches that tarnished his reputation, not least among them being the SNC-Lavalin scandal. Additionally, his inability to balance environmental and economic interests was a constant source of public dissatisfaction.

Duplicitous, disingenuous, incompetent panderer. Preaching on his soapbox, labeling and condemning others for many things that he was himself egregiously guilty of. He ground the economy into dust, put rocket fuel into household debt, and almost singlehandedly raised the price of everything for everyone. He entrenched division and derision with his rhetoric. He stripped away rights for some and gave generously to others, all while preaching equality. By every metric history judges leaders by, he failed. There are other PMs on this list that were terrible and incompetent as well, but none so brazen. He was the worst Prime Minister in Canadian history.
Pierre Elliott Trudeau

Pierre Elliott Trudeau faced significant critiques. His implementation of the War Measures Act during the October Crisis was viewed by many as a severe infringement on civil liberties. Moreover, his handling of economic issues led to high inflation and unemployment rates.

A globalist who enjoyed traveling the world to places like China and Cuba, where he was comfortable with like-minded individuals. He also spent time with many Hollywood celebrities and married a drunken bar patron who gave birth to the Turdy.
Pierre Trudeau racked up massive federal debt, creating double-digit inflation. He implemented the War Measures Act to deal with the FLQ crisis and suppressed the Quebec separation movement, which has caused tremendous financial hardship for the rest of Canada, particularly in the western provinces. It took subsequent governments decades to repair the damage he caused to Canada and its citizens.
Jean Chrétien

Jean Chrétien's tenure was marred by the Sponsorship Scandal, one of the most significant political scandals in Canadian history. He also faced backlash for his refusal to participate in the Iraq War, which led to a diplomatic rift with the United States.

He wasn't the worst but was still a self-serving Quebecer and was deeply involved with China, allowing their influence to be tremendous. His hatred of Paul Martin was obvious, as Martin prevented him from running massive deficits.

Jean Corruptien is a perfect way to address this self-serving Quebec prime minister. He is certainly known for serving himself first, his riding second, and then Quebec. Other than Ontario votes, the rest of Canada was irrelevant, as is typical of Quebec-based prime ministers. Except for the exploitation of other provinces' resources, of course.
He was deeply in bed with the Chinese government and would have sold out Canada for personal profit. Huawei theft of Nortel networks, Sidewinder report, promoting Canada as the uranium waste dumping ground for the world. Canada needs some kind of ethics test candidates for prime minister must pass.
Stephen Harper

Stephen Harper's time as prime minister wasn't without controversy. Accused of muzzling scientists, he was seen as stifling Canada's reputation as a leader in scientific research. Also, his approach to foreign policy, specifically his uncompromising support of Israel, attracted widespread criticism.

Cut support for veterans, impoverished a large number of industries to support corporate takeovers, and sold Canada to the Chinese. Got us in bed with the WEF and gutted the agriculture sector. If you're anti-conservative, you'll hate him for moving his party further on the axis towards racism, extortion, hypocrisy, and outdated economics that only benefit a select few donors.
If you're pro-conservative, you'll hate him for being everything you dislike about Justin Trudeau, but somehow statistically worse in every regard except "total debt generated." Even in that, he still places second and out-costed us more than 36 other prime ministers combined.
Brian Mulroney

Brian Mulroney had a challenging time during his term. His decision to introduce the Goods and Services Tax was met with significant public outcry. Mulroney's push for the Meech Lake and Charlottetown Accords, both of which failed, was seen as a divisive misstep.

Too eager to please everyone, especially Quebec.
It blew up in his face and splintered the Progressive Conservatives into three different parties. They still have not recovered to this day.

The controversial purchase of an 18-foot tall painting with two outer stripes in blue and a center stripe in red for what was then 1 million taxpayer dollars was not a well-thought-out move on his part. Any fool could have painted that. I would be willing to paint him a dozen of those for the same amount of money. Just saying.
Paul Martin

Paul Martin faced condemnation for his handling of fiscal matters. The federal sponsorship scandal, which began under his predecessor, Jean Chrétien, cast a long shadow over his tenure. His failure to deliver on many campaign promises also led to public disillusionment.

Weak and corrupt (but Canadian corruption, which is mild compared to other places).
Kim Campbell

Kim Campbell, Canada's first and only female prime minister, was heavily criticized for her perceived lack of leadership during the 1993 general election. The infamous campaign ad attacking Jean Chrétien's appearance was a major public relations disaster.

It is such a shame that she was the first and only female prime minister of Canada, because she was a complete idiot.

Feeble and weak, and has even recently revealed her admiration for liberal policies.

Thrown into the job by circumstances. Had no place in politics whatsoever.
Mark Carney

Carnage Carney and Brookfield Asset Management are both doing very, very well. Meanwhile, everyday Canadian citizens continue heading toward further hardship and suffering. Carney regularly laughs when asked questions about his country's ongoing economic failures that immensely impact the working class. Like Justin Trudeau, his attendance record in Parliament is pathetic because, again like Justin Trudeau, he's flying around the world enjoying the lavish splendor afforded to him by the staggering deficits he's inflicting on taxpayers to fund his hypocrisy and, of course, Brookfield Asset Management.
Joe Clark

Joe Clark was in office for a relatively short period, but his decision to attempt to increase gasoline taxes during an economic downturn was roundly criticized. His inability to maintain the confidence of the House also led to his downfall.

This jellyfish was our PM at the same time that a very incompetent Jimmy Carter was the boss in the USA. They BOTH messed up Iran and the Middle East in a manner that the pain has lasted to this very day.
Little Joey had NO business getting the highest job in the country and leaving a stinking stain at that office.

Served less than one year between 1979-1980.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

William Lyon Mackenzie King, despite being the longest-serving prime minister, was criticized for his response to the Great Depression. His reluctance to provide federal assistance during the crisis led to widespread hardship. His indecisiveness and alleged communication with the spiritual world also raised eyebrows.

An anti-Semite whose government did not allow Jews fleeing Hitler into the country. In his Canada, the Magna Carta was trampled on, communists were outlawed, Quebec's Padlock Laws were enforced, he trusted Hitler, did not do anything about Danny Draper, led the nation with "visions" and crystal balls, ignored the Depression, and more.

He should be first but surprisingly he is not in the top ten list. I mean, at least put him in third.

The Newcomers

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Robert Borden
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Mackenzie Bowell

Mackenzie Bowell's tenure was fraught with criticisms. His inability to solve the Manitoba Schools Question led to significant unrest within his own cabinet. His leadership was seen as weak and indecisive, which led to his eventual resignation.

The Contenders

R.B. Bennett

R. B. Bennett's response to the Great Depression was widely criticized. His Imperial Preference policy, designed to bolster trade within the British Empire, was seen as a significant failure. Bennett's attempts to censor the press and his harsh treatment of On to Ottawa Trek protestors were other notable criticisms.

The worst. Was not a bad guy or ruthless or tyrannical, just not a good politician and made everything worse during the Great Depression.

Government efforts during the depression just made matters worse.
John Turner

John Turner's stint as prime minister was short but not without criticisms. His decision to recommend the patronage appointments of several senators and judges tarnished his image. Plus, his underestimation of Brian Mulroney in the 1984 televised debate cost him dearly.

Johnny will be forever remembered as the drunk PM.
John Diefenbaker

John Diefenbaker faced significant backlash during his term. His handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis and his decision to cancel the Avro Arrow project led to public and political discontent. He was also criticized for his confrontational relationship with the United States administration.

The idiot who canceled the Avro Arrow.
Canada would be a leader in aviation technology and on the cutting edge of military aircraft if this buffoon had not been in charge.

Destruction of Canadian aviation industries.

Makes all Conservatives look bad forever.
Arthur Meighen

Arthur Meighen's hardline stance during the Winnipeg General Strike caused considerable controversy. His government's use of the War Measures Act to imprison strike leaders was considered by many to be an excessive use of force. His lack of public charisma also didn't help his popularity.
John A. Macdonald

John A. Macdonald, Canada's first prime minister, wasn't immune to criticisms. His government's involvement in the Pacific Scandal hurt his reputation. Moreover, his treatment of Indigenous people and his role in the execution of Louis Riel remain contentious points in Canadian history.
Lester Pearson

Lester Pearson, despite his many accomplishments, was not without his detractors. His government's handling of the Flag Debate was considered divisive by some. Moreover, his inability to win a majority government in two attempts reflected public ambivalence about his leadership.
Wilfrid Laurier

Wilfrid Laurier had his share of controversies. His handling of the Boer War, where he tried to appease both English and French-speaking Canadians, was seen as a weak compromise. His reciprocity agreement with the United States was also a contentious issue.

Aside from the Trudeaus, Laurier likely was one of the biggest enemies of Western Canada. When the west was being settled he did everything in his power to ensure that they would never be anywhere near equal. He effectively made Western Canada a colony within a colony.
Alexander Mackenzie

Alexander Mackenzie's administration was heavily criticized for its perceived lack of vision and progress. The slow growth of the economy and his inability to complete the Pacific Railway were significant points of critique.
Louis St. Laurent

Louis St. Laurent was often criticized for his top-down leadership style. His handling of the Korean War, specifically the decision to send troops, was controversial. Additionally, the pipeline debate during his term ignited political tensions.