Justin Trudeau resigns as Liberal Party leader and Prime Minister

Justin Trudeau stands behind a podium in front of his Ottawa home. CREDIT: ADRIAN WYLD, THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP
On Jan. 6, during a news conference in Ottawa, Justin Trudeau announced his intention to resign as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party once his party selects a new leader.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned on Jan. 6 after nearly a decade in power. Trudeau has led the Liberal Party since 2013 and served as prime minister since 2015.

“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.

He confirmed he will remain in office until the party selects a successor, with a leadership election scheduled for March 9.

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“Parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority Parliament in Canadian history. That’s why this morning, I advised the Governor General that we need a new session of parliament. She has granted this request, and the House will now be prorogued until March 24,” Trudeau said.

The announcement follows a series of challenges that have weighed heavily on the Trudeau government, including economic uncertainty, rising inflation, and internal party dissent.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s abrupt resignation on Dec. 16, 2024, reportedly over disagreements regarding monetary policy, marked a turning point in Trudeau’s leadership. Freeland’s departure highlighted growing tensions within the party and underscored concerns about Trudeau’s ability to steer the Liberals into the next election.

Significant achievements and controversies have marked Trudeau’s tenure. Progressive reforms, including the legalization of cannabis, a national climate strategy, and strides toward gender equality in cabinet appointments, defined his government’s early years. However, his later years were characterized by political scandals and a growing disillusionment among voters. Rising costs of living, housing affordability crises, and contentious policies like the carbon tax eroded his once-strong public support.

Internationally, Trudeau’s resignation has elicited mixed reactions. While US President Joe Biden praised Trudeau for strengthening North American relations, President-elect Donald Trump suggested that economic pressures influenced Trudeau’s departure. He proposed the controversial idea of merging Canada and the United States to eliminate trade deficits.

The Liberal Party now faces the daunting task of selecting a new leader to navigate a challenging political landscape. Potential candidates include former central banker Mark Carney and Freeland, though her resignation may complicate her candidacy. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has ruled out running for leadership, narrowing the field of contenders.

Polls suggest the Liberal Party faces an uphill battle against the opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre has capitalized on public discontent by focusing on economic issues and opposing several Liberal policies, including the carbon tax. With the Liberals trailing in public opinion, the new leader must address voters’ concerns and rebuild trust to position the party for success in the next federal election, expected by October 2025.

Trudeau’s departure marks the end of an era in Canadian politics, paving the way for new leadership at a critical national juncture.

“I’m excited to see the process unfold in the months ahead. We were elected for the third time in 2021 to strengthen the economy post-pandemic and advanced Canada’s interests in a complicated world. That is exactly the job that I, and we, will continue to do for Canadians,” Trudeau said.