KEY POINTS
- Trudeau announces his resignation after nearly nine years in office.
- Economic discontent, rising inflation, and public dissatisfaction overshadowed Trudeau’s later years.
- Late last year, Musk referred to Trudeau as “an insufferable tool,” adding, “Trudeau won’t be in power for much longer.”
OTTAWA, Canada: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, marking the end of a near-decade-long tenure that began in 2015. Trudeau stated he would step down as soon as the ruling Liberal Party chooses a new leader.
He also resigned as the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister,” Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa, following a protracted political crisis during which senior Liberal allies urged him to quit.
Trudeau acknowledged that the minority parliament, in place since the 2021 federal election, had been “paralysed for months” due to mounting internal and external challenges. He announced that a new parliamentary session would commence on 24 March, offering Canada an opportunity for renewal under fresh leadership.
“This country deserves a real choice at the next election,” he said, adding that ongoing “internal battles” within the party had led him to question whether he remained the best option for Canadians moving forward.
Answering questions from reporters while speaking in Ottawa, Trudeau says “Parliament has been entirely ceased by obstruction” as well as a “total lack of productivity over the past few months”.
He said “it’s time for a reset” and for the “temperature to come down” in Canadian politics.
Trudeau, who is in his third term as prime minister, said it was time for a “fresh start in parliament” in order for the country to navigate “complex” times domestically and internationally.
He added the reset will constitute two parts – the prorogation of parliament until late March and Trudeau’s resignation which, he believes, will “decrease the level of polarisation” in politics.
Legacy of leadership
Reflecting on his time in office, Trudeau highlighted his administration’s efforts to strengthen Canada’s middle class, safeguard free trade across the continent, and navigate the country through the COVID-19 pandemic. He expressed gratitude for the resilience and generosity of Canadians, which he said had inspired him every day as prime minister.
Since 2015, I have fought for Canada and its people,” Trudeau remarked. “I watched this country rally to support each other during the pandemic, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Trudeau said his decision followed extensive discussions with his family, whose support he credited for his success. “I am excited to see the process that will replace me unfold in the months ahead,” he added.
Political crises and challenges
Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party for 11 years and served as prime minister for nine, faced mounting crises in recent months. These included challenges from Donald Trump’s tariff threats, the resignation of key allies, and disastrous opinion polls.
His government was rocked by the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, just hours before she was due to deliver her annual fiscal update.
In a scathing resignation letter, Freeland criticised Trudeau’s “political gimmicks,” likely referring to policies such as a two-month sales tax holiday and 250 Canadian dollar ($175) rebates for most workers.
She argued that Canada could “ill afford” such measures, widely seen as pre-election handouts, especially as the country faces the looming prospect of significant tariffs from the incoming Trump administration.
Trump, who is set to return to the White House on 20 January, has announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Canada. He has also taken to social media to mock Trudeau, referring to him as the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.”
Mounting criticism
Coming to politics relatively late after working as a snowboard instructor, bartender, bouncer, and teacher, Trudeau was first elected to the House of Commons in 2008, representing a working-class Montreal constituency.
He led the Liberals to a sweeping victory in 2015, promising “sunny ways” for Canada. His premiership saw the championing of progressive issues, including combating climate change and addressing historic abuses against Indigenous peoples.
During his first two terms, Trudeau introduced Senate reforms, signed a new trade deal with the United States, and implemented a carbon tax to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
He also legalised cannabis, launched a public inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women, and enacted legislation permitting medically assisted suicide.
However, the later years of his premiership have been marred by growing economic discontent. Rising inflation, housing shortages, and a high cost of living have overshadowed his progressive legacy.
A viral confrontation with a steelworker, who accused Trudeau of failing to address the financial struggles of ordinary Canadians, encapsulated the growing dissatisfaction. “You’re not really doing anything for us, Justin,” the worker remarked, echoing the sentiments of many.
Shifting political landscape
Trudeau was elected three times, most recently in 2021, when he retained power but lost his governing majority. Since then, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party has surged ahead in national polling averages, leading the Liberals by over 20%.
Poilievre has gained support among Trump’s base, including from Elon Musk, the billionaire owner of X (formerly Twitter). Late last year, Musk referred to Trudeau as “an insufferable tool,” adding, “Trudeau won’t be in power for much longer.”
Trudeau’s resignation marks a significant turning point in Canadian politics, with the country now bracing for a new chapter as the Liberals seek to rebuild under fresh leadership.
