Justin Trudeau Announces Plan to Resign as Canadian Prime Minister Amid Mounting Challenges
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to step down after nine years in office, citing political paralysis and growing challenges. He will officially resign once the Liberal Party selects a new leader.
“I intend to resign as party leader and prime minister after the party chooses its new leader,” the 53-year-old leader said during a press conference in Ottawa on Monday.
Trudeau emphasized his commitment to Canada, stating, “I care deeply about this country and will always act in the best interests of Canadians. However, despite our best efforts, Parliament has been paralyzed for months, following the longest session of a minority government in Canadian history.”
To facilitate the transition, Trudeau announced that Parliament would be suspended until March 24 while the party chooses his successor.
Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party for 11 years and served as prime minister for nine, faces escalating crises. These include declining public support, the resignation of key allies, and poor opinion polls, making his departure appear as a preemptive move ahead of a general election expected later this year.
While the election must be held by October 20, it could be called earlier. Current polls show the Liberal Party trailing significantly behind the opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, who has gained traction with a populist platform.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election,” Trudeau said, adding that internal party conflicts had hindered his ability to lead effectively.
Trudeau criticized Poilievre’s platform, calling it harmful to Canada’s future. “Stopping the fight against climate change doesn’t make sense. Undermining our values, diversity, and national institutions is not the right path. Canadians need an ambitious and optimistic vision, and Poilievre is not offering that,” he said.
The Liberal Party’s national executive is expected to meet this week to address leadership issues following Trudeau’s announcement.
Adding to the turmoil was the unexpected resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Hours before delivering her annual fiscal update, Freeland resigned in protest against what she described as Trudeau’s “political gimmicks.”
In her resignation letter, Freeland criticized policies like a sales tax holiday and worker rebates as unsustainable election tactics. She also warned of severe economic consequences, including potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration.
Donald Trump, who is set to return to the White House on January 20, has announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports and has mocked Trudeau as the “governor of the Great State of Canada.”
Trudeau came to power in 2015 with promises of “sunny ways” and progressive reforms, championing causes like climate action and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. However, his later years in office have been overshadowed by economic discontent and a growing cost-of-living crisis.
A viral exchange with a steelworker, who accused Trudeau of failing to address everyday challenges, highlighted the discontent. “You’re not really doing anything for us, Justin,” the worker said, echoing widespread frustration.
Despite winning three elections, Trudeau’s 2021 victory left him with a minority government. Since then, Poilievre’s Conservatives have surged in popularity, holding a 20-point lead in national polling.
Poilievre has also garnered support from influential figures like Elon Musk, who called Trudeau “an insufferable tool” and predicted his political downfall.
As Trudeau prepares to step down, the focus shifts to the Liberal Party’s ability to regroup and present a viable challenge in the upcoming election.
