Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as the leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister of Canada on Monday. This decision marks the end of an 11-year tenure as party leader and a 9-year stint as prime minister. Trudeau, who will step down once a new leader is selected, leaves office amid increasing crises, including tariff threats from Donald Trump and declining approval ratings.
Trudeau led the Liberal Party to victory in three national elections, most recently in 2021, though he failed to secure a governing majority. His resignation has been perceived by many as a preemptive move before the impending general election later this year. The Liberal Party now trails behind the opposition Conservative Party in national polls, adding to the urgency of selecting a new leader.
"Stopping the fight against climate change doesn’t make sense. Backing off on the values and strength and diversity that Canada has always, always, worked to pull itself together on is not the right path for the country. Attacking journalists, the CBC institutions, that’s not what Canadians need in this moment. We need an ambitious, optimistic view of the future – and Pierre Poilievre is not offering that," said Justin Trudeau.
Trudeau faced internal challenges, particularly after Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland unexpectedly resigned last year. Freeland criticized Trudeau's policies, describing them as "political gimmicks," likely referencing controversial tax policies introduced under his government. Freeland's departure highlighted fractures within the Liberal Party that Trudeau struggled to mend.
"I thank Justin Trudeau for his years of service to Canada and Canadians. I wish him and his family the very best," stated Chrystia Freeland.
Canada's parliament will be suspended until March 24 while the Liberal Party selects its new leader. Among the potential candidates are Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of England and Bank of Canada; Mélanie Joly, Canada's foreign minister; and Chrystia Freeland herself.
The backdrop to Trudeau's resignation includes sharp criticism from Donald Trump. The U.S. President-elect has been publicly disparaging toward Trudeau and Canada on social media. Trump has even proposed a merger between Canada and the United States, suggesting it would eliminate tariffs and enhance security.
“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned,” tweeted Donald Trump.
“If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!” Trump added.
Trudeau's resignation was met with mixed reactions domestically. A viral confrontation with a steel worker highlighted public discontent over economic issues such as the high cost of living.
“You’re not really doing anything for us, Justin,” a steel worker remarked during an exchange with Trudeau.
Trudeau himself acknowledged shortcomings in his leadership, expressing regret over his failure to reform Canada's electoral process.
“If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election — well, probably many regrets that I will think of,” Trudeau conceded.
“But I do wish we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country so that people could simply choose a second choice, or a third choice on the same ballot,” he continued.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, has expressed readiness to capitalize on this transition period for the Liberals.
“Canadians can take back control of their lives and their country,” Poilievre declared.
“Take back control of our border. Take back control of immigration. Take back control of spending, deficits and inflation. We’ll cap spending, axe taxes, reward work, build homes, uphold family, stop crime, secure borders, rearm our forces, restore our freedom and put Canada first,” he elaborated.
