In Kingston, Ontario, last month, beloved Canadian rock band The Tragically Hip played their final concert. Among the audience was none other than Justin Trudeau — resplendent in his Canadian tuxedo (denim jacket, jeans, and a band t-shirt) — with his McGill pal and political advisor Gerry Butts.

Trudeau had earlier tweeted a photo of himself passionately hugging lead singer Gord Downie, who appealed to the prime minister from stage to do more for indigenous people. An icon of Anglo-Canadian left-nationalist culture — up there with Joni Mitchell, Margaret Atwood, and David Cronenberg — Downie seemed convinced that Trudeau would “do the right thing” and “help these people.”

Canadian progressives and some labor movement members share Downie’s sincere hope that the young Trudeau represents a progressive turn for Canada. After all, he campaigned to the left of the New Democratic Party (NDP).