Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation After Nine Years as Canada's Prime Minister
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has revealed plans to step down after nearly a decade in power, citing mounting internal pressure within his Liberal Party. The announcement comes as his personal popularity wanes and his party faces dwindling support ahead of federal elections later this year.
In a press conference on Monday, Trudeau announced that he would remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader. He also stated that parliament would be suspended until March 24.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election,” Trudeau said. “If I’m fighting internal battles, I cannot be the best option for Canadians in that election.”
Trudeau’s leadership, once seen as transformative, has become a liability for the Liberals. A recent slump in public approval had intensified calls within the party for him to step aside.
A Decade of Leadership Comes to an End
Trudeau, 53, informed his family of his decision during dinner on Sunday, he shared. “Last night, I told my kids about the decision I’m sharing with you today,” he said. He plans to resign after the party completes a competitive leadership selection process.
Sachit Mehra, president of the Liberal Party, confirmed that the board of directors would meet this week to begin the process of finding a new leader.
“Liberals across the country are deeply grateful to Justin Trudeau for over a decade of leadership,” Mehra said, highlighting Trudeau’s achievements, including the Canada Child Benefit and expanded healthcare programs like dental care and pharmacare.
Opposition Reaction and Trudeau’s Challenges
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the announcement, arguing that Trudeau’s resignation changes little. “Every Liberal supported Trudeau’s policies for nine years. Swapping faces won’t fool Canadians,” Poilievre said on social media.
Trudeau’s tenure has been marked by highs and lows. Highlights include legalizing recreational cannabis, advancing Indigenous reconciliation, implementing a national carbon tax, and maintaining a gender-equal cabinet. Yet, scandals—including a controversial corruption case, the use of brownface makeup in the past, and backlash against pandemic mandates—dented his public image.
Rising housing costs, surging food prices, and strains on public services also fueled dissatisfaction. By late 2024, only 22% of Canadians approved of his performance, according to polling data.
The Path Forward
Trudeau’s departure follows the December resignation of his deputy prime minister, Chrystia Freeland, a close ally. Freeland’s public letter accused Trudeau of failing to address significant challenges, including U.S. tariff threats under Donald Trump. Canada has since implemented stricter border security in response to Trump’s demands.
The Liberals, governing as a minority party since 2019, now face an uphill battle. Opposition parties, including the Conservatives and Quebec’s Bloc Québécois, have gained ground. The Bloc’s leader, Yves-François Blanchet, has called for an early election once the Liberals elect a new leader.
The next federal election must take place by October 20. A senior government official described the leadership race as open, with the Prime Minister’s Office remaining uninvolved.
End of an Era
Trudeau’s political legacy is tied closely to that of his father, Pierre Trudeau, who served as prime minister in the 1970s and 1980s. The younger Trudeau’s 2015 landslide victory ushered in a period of progressive policies under the banner of “Sunny Ways.”
While some Canadians, like carpenter Hames Gamarra, view Trudeau’s time in office as steady, others feel it’s time for a change. “It’s the right thing,” said Marise Cassivi, reflecting on the end of Trudeau’s leadership.
As Trudeau prepares to exit, his contributions to Canada’s political landscape are both celebrated and debated. His departure marks a pivotal moment, leaving questions about the direction of his party and the country in the years to come.
