Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, prompting speculation about the next steps for Canada’s government. 
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, stating his intention to step down as both prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party once a new party leader is chosen.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its new leader,” the 53-year-old Trudeau said during a news conference in Ottawa.
He also confirmed that Canada’s parliament would be suspended until March 24 to allow the Liberal Party time to select a new leader.
“I care deeply about this country, and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interests of Canadians. The fact is, despite best efforts to work through it, parliament has been paralyzed for months after the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history,” Trudeau said.
How Did We Get Here?
Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party for 11 years and served as prime minister for nine, faced mounting challenges in recent years, including economic discontent, declining poll numbers, and internal party tensions.
His tenure began with a landslide victory in 2015, promising “sunny ways” and a progressive agenda focused on combating climate change and addressing historical injustices. However, Trudeau’s later years in office were marked by growing economic struggles and criticism of his leadership.
A defining moment of discontent came during a viral confrontation with a steelworker who criticized Trudeau’s failure to address rising costs of living. “You’re not really doing anything for us, Justin,” the worker said, a sentiment that resonated widely across Canada.
Further turmoil arose with the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland last year. Just hours before delivering her fiscal update, Freeland resigned, criticizing Trudeau’s “political gimmicks,” including short-term tax holidays and rebates perceived as election tactics.
Adding to the strain, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, further complicating Canada’s economic outlook. Trump has also mocked Trudeau on social media, calling him the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.”
What Happens Next?
The Liberal Party’s national executive is expected to meet this week to initiate the leadership selection process. Suspending parliament provides the party time to regroup and choose a successor to lead the country until the next federal election, which must be held by October 20 but could be called earlier.
Potential contenders to replace Trudeau include:
- Mark Carney, former governor of both the Bank of England and the Bank of Canada.
- Mélanie Joly, Canada’s foreign minister.
- Chrystia Freeland, the former deputy prime minister and finance minister.
The new leader will face the challenge of revitalizing the party’s fortunes, as current polls show the Liberals trailing the opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, by more than 20 points.
Trudeau’s Final Message
Trudeau criticized Poilievre’s vision for Canada, calling it a step backward.
“Stopping the fight against climate change doesn’t make sense. Backing off on the values of diversity and strength that Canada has always upheld is not the right path. Attacking journalists and institutions like the CBC? That’s not what Canadians need,” he said. “We need an ambitious, optimistic view of the future—Pierre Poilievre is not offering that.”
Reactions to the Resignation
President-elect Trump responded by reiterating his idea of a U.S.-Canada merger. “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” he wrote on Truth Social. “If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, lower taxes, and total security.”
Poilievre seized the moment to appeal to voters. “Canadians can take back control of their lives and their country,” he said in a video post. “We’ll cap spending, axe taxes, build homes, secure borders, rearm our forces, and put Canada first.”
Freeland, considered a leading candidate to replace Trudeau, thanked him for his service. “I thank Justin Trudeau for his years of service to Canada and Canadians. I wish him and his family the very best,” she wrote on X.
Trudeau declined to elaborate on his recent conversations with Freeland, stating only, “I had hoped she would continue as my deputy, but she chose otherwise.”
As the Liberal Party prepares to choose a new leader, Canada faces a pivotal moment in its political and economic future.
