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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed his resignation as party leader and as prime minister after almost a decade in office, marking the end of an era in Canadian politics. However, Trudeau will stay on as prime minister until a new leader of the Liberal Party is chosen. Trudeau also asked the Governor General to prorogue Parliament until March 24.

In a carefully worded address from his official residence, Rideau Cottage, Trudeau told reporters that the country deserved “a real choice in the next election.” He acknowledged the challenges he had faced both within his party and from the opposition, explaining that internal battles had made it clear that he could no longer be the best candidate for the upcoming federal election.

“I intend to resign as party leader and as prime minister after the party selects a new leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process,” Trudeau announced.

“Last night, I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process. 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,” he added.

After 9 years in power, Justin Trudeau resigns as both party leader & Canadian Prime Minister amid growing pressure to step down. He will remain in office until a successor is elected. 🇨🇦 Parliament will be suspended until March 24 for leadership selection pic.twitter.com/xpUXz4GaU7

— IRIA (@IRIA_Research) January 6, 2025

Internal pressures and public discontent

The announcement came on Monday morning (January 6, 2025), following weeks of intense speculation about his political future.

Trudeau’s leadership has come under increasing scrutiny in recent months. The resignation of his deputy prime minister and finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, in December served as a major blow to his political standing. Freeland’s departure was accompanied by a scathing letter that criticized Trudeau’s handling of economic policies and his failure to take a firm stance against U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s economic nationalism.

Freeland, who is viewed as one of his potential successors, offered Trudeau her best wishes on social media, saying: “I thank Justin Trudeau for his years of service to Canada and Canadians.”

Trudeau’s resignation follows a tumultuous period marked by a series of internal conflicts within his party, as well as mounting dissatisfaction among Canadians over key issues such as the rising cost of living, inflation, and housing affordability issues. These concerns, coupled with the mounting criticism of his handling of relations with the United States under President-elect Trump, have contributed to his diminishing approval ratings.

Trudeau’s legacy: A mixed record

Trudeau, 53, is the son of longtime former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Justin Trudeau entered politics in 2008 after working as a teacher and snowboard instructor. In 2013, he took over a struggling Liberal Party and won the 2015 election at 43, becoming Canada’s second-youngest prime minister.

Trudeau’s tenure as prime minister, which began in 2015, was marked by significant achievements but also notable controversies. Early in his leadership, he was praised for returning Canada to a more liberal political stance.

Under his leadership, Canada became a global advocate for immigration, diversity, and progressive social policies. His government also made history by legalizing cannabis and appointing women to key Cabinet positions in foreign affairs, defense, and finance.

Despite retaining power in 2019, he lost his majority and narrowly won re-election in 2021, again leading a minority government. His popularity has sharply declined amid rising costs and a housing crisis, with polls indicating the Liberal Party may suffer a significant defeat in the 2025 election.

Trudeau’s leadership also faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. His efforts to balance economic growth with environmental protection drew opposition, while his handling of rising everyday costs became a major point of frustration for many Canadians.

What’s next for Canada?

As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau steps down, he will remain in office until a new leader is chosen within the Liberal Party. In the meantime, Trudeau has suspended Parliament until March 24, allowing the party the necessary time to conduct its leadership race. This move halts all pending legislation but will not interfere with the daily operations of the government.

At present, no clear successor to Trudeau has emerged, though several prominent figures have been mentioned as potential leaders. These include former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Transport Minister Anita Anand, and former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney.

While the Liberal Party selects its new leader, polling suggests that, if a federal election were held today, the opposition Conservative Party would secure a decisive victory. Given this, a general election is unlikely to take place before May, and Trudeau will continue as prime minister during a critical period that includes the upcoming inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump’s provocative comments on Trudeau’s resignation

As Trudeau’s resignation reverberates globally, President-elect Donald Trump seized the opportunity to make provocative remarks. On social media, Trump again suggested that Canada should become the “51st state,” reiterating his stance on the U.S.-Canada trade relationship. Trump, who has threatened to impose severe tariffs on Canadian imports, also claimed that Canada’s economic reliance on U.S. subsidies was a factor in Trudeau’s decision to resign.

In a post to his social media platform Truth Social Monday, Trump wrote: “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,” he continued, adding that 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.”

Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods unless Canada addresses issues such as illegal immigration and drug control has been a point of contention between the two nations. Trudeau’s handling of this diplomatic crisis has been one of the key factors contributing to his declining support at home.