Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces his resignation as Liberal leader and prime minister outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Monday. (AP)
In a historic move, Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as both leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister of Canada this Monday. His decision marks the end of nearly a decade at the helm of Canadian politics, paving the way for a new leader to be chosen by his party through a national election.
“My whole being has always told me to fight because I deeply care about Canadians,” Trudeau stated in his farewell speech from Ottawa. “But I’ve come to realize that I’m not the best option for the upcoming elections.”
Why did Justin Trudeau resign?
While Trudeau has long been known for his tenacity, the Prime Minister explained that stepping down was a necessary move for the betterment of the country. In his announcement, Trudeau emphasized that his departure could help reduce political polarization and improve the functioning of the Canadian parliament. He also expressed hope that his decision would guide the nation toward a more positive federal election cycle.
Trudeau took the opportunity to highlight the stark contrast in vision between himself and Conservative Party leader
Pierre Poilievre
, urging Canadians to rally behind the next leader of the Liberal Party to offer a more balanced and capable opposition.
What happens next?
With Trudeau’s resignation, the Liberal Party now faces an internal leadership race to choose his successor. The Canadian Parliament will remain prorogued until March 26, 2025, providing the party with time to avoid a motion of censure and designate a new leader. This move, which suspends all legislative activities temporarily, was last used in 2020 when Trudeau faced a scandal involving government contracts.
A look back at Justin Trudeau’s career
Trudeau, born on December 25, 1971, is the 23rd Prime Minister of Canada and the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. He took office on November 4, 2015, after leading the Liberal Party to victory in that year’s federal elections. Trudeau’s political journey was shaped by his upbringing in a politically prominent family and his dedication to public service. Prior to his entry into politics, he worked as a teacher and advocate for youth programs.
Known for his progressive stance on a variety of issues, including climate change and social equality, Trudeau became a global figure in Canadian politics. His tenure, however, has been marked by both praise and criticism, with the upcoming election set to determine the direction of the country’s leadership.
Canada’s leadership history
Justin Trudeau is not the first to lead the country, but his departure signals the potential for a new era in Canadian politics. The country’s only female Prime Minister,
Kim Campbell
, served as Canada’s 19th Prime Minister from June to November 1993, and she remains the only woman to hold the position in the nation’s history.
