Justin Trudeau Resigns: Canadian Prime Minister Steps Down as Liberal Party Leader After Nine Years Amid Internal Pressure and Low Approval Ratings.
Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation as Canadian Prime Minister
Ottawa, Canada – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that he will step down as leader of the ruling Liberal Party after nine years in office. However, he will remain prime minister until the party elects a new leader.
During a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau reflected on his time in office, stating:
“I am 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.”
A Personal and Political Decision
Trudeau shared that he took time over the holidays to reflect on his future and discuss his decision with his family.
“Over the holidays, I had a chance to reflect and have long talks with my family about our future,” he said. “Last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision I am sharing with you today.”
He confirmed his plan to resign after a new Liberal Party leader is chosen and has asked the party’s president to begin the leadership selection process.
Justin Trudeau on Upcoming Elections: ‘Canada Deserves a Real Choice’
Speaking about the upcoming elections, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized the need for a clear choice for voters.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I am having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” he stated.
He also noted that Canada’s Parliament has been gridlocked for months, following what he described as the longest session of a minority Parliament in the country’s history. To address this, he announced that Parliament will be prorogued until March 24 to allow for a fresh start.
A Missed Opportunity on Electoral Reform
Trudeau acknowledged that one of his biggest regrets was his inability to reform Canada’s electoral system, a change he had previously advocated for.
Despite this, he highlighted the Liberal Party’s achievements since its 2021 re-election, stating that their mandate was to strengthen the post-pandemic economy and advance Canada’s interests—a mission he and his party remain committed to.
Mounting Pressure and Declining Popularity
Trudeau’s decision comes amid increasing pressure from within the Liberal Party and historic polling lows. According to the BBC, calls for his resignation intensified last summer, following a major by-election loss in Toronto to the Conservative Party.
His approval rating fell to just 22% in December, marking the lowest level since he took office in 2015.
Meanwhile, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has gained strong momentum, leading Trudeau by nearly 24 points, according to Reuters. With the next federal election due by October 20, 2025, these numbers suggest a likely Liberal defeat.
Trudeau Criticizes Poilievre’s Leadership Vision
Addressing Poilievre’s rise, Trudeau dismissed his conservative rival’s vision as unsuitable for Canada.
“His vision is not the right one for Canadians. Stopping the fight against climate change doesn’t make sense,” Trudeau stressed.
He called for a bold and optimistic approach to the future, arguing that Poilievre fails to offer that.
Poilievre Responds: ‘Nothing Has Changed’
Reacting to Trudeau’s resignation, Poilievre rejected the notion of change, claiming that the Liberal Party remains the same despite Trudeau’s departure.
“Every Liberal MP and leadership contender supported EVERYTHING Trudeau did for nine years. Now they want to trick voters by swapping in another Liberal face to keep ripping off Canadians for another four years—just like Justin,” he posted on X.
https://x.com/PierrePoilievre/status/1876307996789133685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1876307996789133685%7Ctwgr%5E9e5b20dbf195bd32dec7fe8f0ecefb6d0b1a3977%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews.abplive.com%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fjustin-trudeau-announces-resignation-as-canadian-prime-minister-liberal-party-leader-amid-sliding-popularity-1742272&mx=2
“The only way to repair the damage caused by the Liberals is to hold a carbon tax election and elect common-sense Conservatives who will restore Canada’s promise,” he added.
Internal Liberal Party Discord Leads to Justin Trudeau’s Resignation
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who assumed office in November 2015 and secured two consecutive re-elections, has seen his popularity decline over the past two years. Public dissatisfaction with rising living costs and the housing crisis has taken a toll on his leadership, according to Reuters. Despite initially signaling his intention to lead the Liberal Party into the next election, growing internal party tensions have ultimately led to his decision to step down.
Resignation of Key Allies
In December, Chrystia Freeland, his long-time ally and Finance Minister, resigned as Deputy Prime Minister. Freeland’s departure followed her public opposition to Trudeau’s spending proposals, accusing him of focusing on “political gimmicks” instead of addressing Canada’s pressing issues, as reported by Reuters.
Criticism from Within the Party
Wayne Long, a New Brunswick MP, sharply criticized Trudeau’s leadership, telling reporters, “He’s delusional if he thinks we can continue like this”, according to BBC.
Leadership Race and Snap Election Possibility
Under the Liberal Party’s constitution, Trudeau’s formal resignation will trigger a leadership race, a process that typically takes several months, as reported by CBC News. Additionally, the possibility of a snap election now looms. A no-confidence motion could force an early election, or Trudeau could choose to call one himself.
Opposition parties have already signaled their intent to table a no-confidence motion as early as March, potentially triggering an election, according to Reuters.
