Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party. Trudeau will remain in office until a successor is chosen, allowing for a smooth transition in leadership.
The decision, disclosed by sources who requested anonymity, marks the end of Trudeau’s nearly decade-long tenure as prime minister. His resignation comes amid mounting challenges for the Liberal Party, including declining approval ratings and increasing pressure from opposition parties.
Trudeau, who has led Canada since 2015, outlined his reasons for stepping down and shared plans for the transition process.
“Last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision I’m sharing with you today,” Trudeau said. “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.”
“As you all know, I’m a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians, I care deeply about this country, and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians,” he added. “And the fact is, despite best efforts to work through it, Parliament has been paralyzed for months.”
Trudeau also emphasized the importance of the Liberal Party moving forward. “The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and democracy. A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into the next election,” he said. “I’m excited to see the process unfold in the months ahead.”
Sources also revealed that Trudeau has requested Governor General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24, giving the party time to regroup and organize a leadership race.
Trudeau’s time in office has been defined by his focus on climate change policies, reconciliation with Indigenous communities, and a progressive agenda that included gender equality and immigration reforms. However, recent years have brought economic uncertainties and criticism over government spending, which have contributed to eroding public confidence.
Opposition leaders have responded strongly to Trudeau’s announcement.
Pierre Poilievre, Leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, criticized the Liberal Party’s record.
“Canadians desperate to turn the page on this dark chapter in our history might be relieved today that Justin Trudeau is finally leaving,” Poilievre said. “But what has really changed? Every Liberal MP in power today and every potential Liberal leadership contender fighting for the top job helped Justin Trudeau break the country over the last 9 years.”
He accused the Liberal Party of prioritizing their political survival over the needs of Canadians. “Their only objection is that he is no longer popular enough to win an election and keep them in power. They want to protect their pensions and paycheques by sweeping their hated leader under the rug months before an election to trick you, and then do it all over again.”
Poilievre called for immediate change. “Canadians can take back control of their lives and their country. Take back control of our border, take back control of immigration, take back control of spending, deficits and inflation. Take back control of our streets by locking up criminals, banning drugs, treating addiction and stopping gun smugglers.”
Leader of Canada’s NDP Jagmeet Singh also weighed in.
“Justin Trudeau’s Liberals let down Canadians. They let you down on home prices. They let you down on health care. They let you down by allowing corporate greed to run wild,” Singh said. “Even with the country facing another serious blow to Canadian jobs and our cost of living – this time from Donald Trump – they’re still focused only on themselves and their political fate.”
Singh urged Canadians to reject both the Liberals and Conservatives. “Canada’s middle-class families have the biggest fight just ahead. Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives will cut from people to give more to CEOs. They will cut health care, pensions, dental care and more.”
He called for a working-class movement to stop Conservative cuts. “This time, a working-class movement of fighters is growing all around me. People who oppose callous Conservative cuts to health care, and everyone who opposes the rich getting richer while everyone else falls further behind, I’m asking them all to stand together this time to stop the Conservatives and build Canada’s first government for working people.”
The Liberal Party is now tasked with selecting a new leader who can unify its members and prepare for the next federal election. Speculation about potential successors has already begun, with names such as Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney being floated as possible contenders.
Trudeau’s departure marks a significant shift in Canada’s political landscape, setting the stage for a competitive leadership race and potentially reshaping the Liberal Party’s direction ahead of the next election cycle.
