Justin Trudeau Resigns as Canada’s Prime Minister
Justin Trudeau Resigns as Canada’s Prime Minister
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned as the leader of the governing Liberal Party after serving three terms in office.
“I intend to resign as party leader as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process,” Trudeau said in the announcement. “Last night I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process.”
Trudeau will stay as PM until someone else takes over the role. He was the leader of the Liberal Party for 11 years and was Prime Minister for nine. Following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, a pivotal indication of diminished confidence in Trudeau’s leadership, the 53-year-old politician made his decision. This resignation occurs as the country approaches general elections later this year, with polls indicating a significant potential loss for Trudeau and the Liberal Party.
Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister, resigns amid pressure from all sides
Prime Minister Trudeau enjoyed considerable approval and success during his tenure until two years ago. Public dissatisfaction emerged in response to escalating prices driven by extreme inflation and an acute housing crisis.
Furthermore, Trudeau faced mixed public reactions to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic during his tenure. While his government was praised for swift financial relief programs like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), perceived delays in implementing travel restrictions and the economic consequences of prolonged lockdowns drew criticism. Allegations of favoritism in awarding pandemic-related contracts and perceived regional disparities in federal support further fueled discontent. His popularity also fell during the “Freedom Convoy” protests, as his government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act to end the trucker-led demonstrations against vaccine mandates and pandemic restrictions was viewed by some as necessary for restoring order but by others as an overreach of power.
Since Donald Trump became United States president-elect in November 2024, the Canadian PM has dealt with constant tariff increase threats that would further raise prices country-wide.
Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland’s resignation was a major blow. She announced her decision just hours before she was scheduled to give Canada’s annual fiscal report. She strongly criticized Trudeau’s recent initiatives in her resignation letter, labeling them as “political gimmicks.” This referred specifically to the introduction of a two-month sales tax holiday and a tax rebate of 250 Canadian Dollars ($175) provided to workers.
Trudeau stated that he hoped she would remain as his Deputy PM, but that “she chose otherwise.” He said that what happened was a private conversation that he wanted to keep that way.
“In regards to what actually happened, I am not someone who’s in the habit of sharing private conversations,” said Trudeau.
According to several Canadian media outlets, after Deputy PM Freeland resigned, Members of Parliament (MPs) from his own Liberal Party in Ontario met virtually to discuss the party’s future, agreeing that the PM’s time in office should end. Ontario has 75 Liberal Party MPs and is where Trudeau found most of his support. It is also the country’s most populous province.
Trudeau’s announcement
Trudeau cited a frozen parliament as one of the main drivers for his next course of action. The House of Commons will be prorogued following his resignation due to an inability to take action. The prorogation of the House ends its session in parliament after being in power for almost a decade.
“Despite best efforts to work through it, parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history. That is why this morning, I have advised the governor general to prorogue government. She has granted this request, and the house will now be prorogued until March 24th.”
Trudeau expressed the need for a reset, stating that he could not be the one to lead the Liberal Party of Canada if he is facing battles within his party and that he is excited to see the next leader carry on the core mission of the party.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” Trudeau said. “A new Prime Minister and Leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into that next election. I am excited to see that process unfold in the months ahead.”
The resigning PM expressed his opinion on Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, whom the polls predict will win the next election. He deemed Poilievre unsuitable for the Prime Minister’s job as he did not have a promising vision for Canada’s future.
“We need an ambitious, optimistic view of the future, and Pierre Poilievre is not offering that,” said Trudeau.
The announcement ended with a reporter asking, “Do you think it is irresponsible to resign now? Why didn’t you do it earlier?” as the Prime Minister walked off. He did not answer the question.