KEY SUMMARY POINTS:
- Source says Trudeau is likely to announce resignation but no final decision has been made
- Trudeau expected to announcement resign before caucus meeting on Wednesday – newspaper report
- Ruling Liberals trailing badly in polls, election must be held by late October
In a stunning political development, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party, signalling the end of his tenure as Prime Minister once a successor is chosen. Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party for nearly 12 years and served as Prime Minister since 2015, cited the need for fresh leadership to address Canada’s evolving challenges.
The announcement follows mounting internal pressure and declining public approval for Trudeau, with recent polls showing the opposition Conservative Party gaining a significant edge ahead of the next general election. Trudeau assured the public that he will remain in office until the Liberal Party concludes its leadership race, ensuring a smooth transition of power.
During his resignation speech, Trudeau reflected on his time in office and emphasized his commitment to Canada’s progress while acknowledging the controversies and challenges that marked his leadership. Among his notable policies were progressive reforms in healthcare, environmental protection, and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. However, his tenure was not without setbacks, including scandals involving blackface photos and allegations of inappropriate conduct, which impacted his popularity in recent years.
The political landscape further shifted with the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland late last year, who stepped down citing the need for a stronger government in the face of global and domestic economic challenges.
The Liberal Party is now preparing for a leadership race, with several high-profile candidates expected to vie for the position, including Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, and Defence Minister Anita Anand. The leadership transition is anticipated to take place before the next parliamentary session resumes in March.
Trudeau’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Canadian politics, ushering in a period of change and potential realignment as the nation prepares for its next election. The political future of Canada now rests in the hands of the next Liberal leader and the electoral choices of the Canadian people.