Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party on Monday, acknowledging mounting discontent over his leadership. This decision follows the sudden departure of his finance minister, a sign of deepening turmoil within his government.
In a tearful statement outside his official residence, Trudeau shared that internal divisions had made it clear he could no longer lead the party into the upcoming elections. However, he pledged to remain in office until a new party leader is selected.
“I don’t easily back down when faced with a challenge, especially one that is vital for both our party and the country,” Trudeau stated. “But I do this job because I deeply care about the interests of Canadians and the future of our democracy.”
Parliament, scheduled to reconvene on January 27, will be suspended until March 24, providing the necessary time for the Liberal Party to conduct a leadership race. Opposition parties have already indicated their intention to push for a no-confidence vote when Parliament resumes, setting the stage for a spring election following the selection of a new Liberal leader.
Trudeau emphasized the importance of the Liberal Party as a pillar of Canadian democracy. “The Liberal Party of Canada is an integral part of our nation’s history,” he said. “The next leader will carry our values into the upcoming election, and I look forward to seeing the process unfold.”
Trudeau, who assumed office in 2015 after a decade of Conservative rule, initially received praise for restoring a more liberal direction in Canada. Yet, his popularity waned in recent years, with concerns over rising food and housing costs, immigration issues, and economic policies.
The resignation comes at a challenging time for Canada on the global stage, with tensions rising between the country and the U.S. under President-elect Donald Trump. Trump has threatened tariffs on Canadian goods unless Canada addresses what he calls a flow of migrants and drugs into the U.S., despite evidence that fewer of these issues cross the border from Canada than from Mexico.
Trudeau, who had been relatively quiet in recent weeks, faced increasing pressure from all sides. “His silence speaks volumes about the weakness of his position,” said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University.
The resignation of former finance minister Chrystia Freeland in December added fuel to the political fire. Freeland, who had also served as deputy prime minister, criticized Trudeau’s economic priorities, particularly in response to Trump’s tariff threats. Freeland’s departure followed that of the housing minister, raising questions about Trudeau’s ability to lead through growing divisions.
Freeland’s resignation letter underscored her concerns: “Our country is facing a grave challenge, and we need to protect our fiscal reserves for potential economic storms ahead.”
Despite internal turmoil, Trudeau had intended to seek re-election in 2024, even as his party suffered defeats in special elections in Toronto and Montreal. No Canadian prime minister in over a century has won four consecutive terms. Polling shows the Liberals trailing the Conservatives by a wide margin.
Trudeau’s legacy includes advocacy for immigration, gender equality, and environmental protection. His government legalized cannabis and introduced a carbon tax while also facing criticism for balancing economic growth with environmental concerns. Trudeau’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic initially won praise, though his support eroded over vaccine mandates and other unpopular policies.
The political challenges Trudeau faced mirror the struggles of his father, Pierre Trudeau, who served as prime minister for nearly 16 years. While Justin Trudeau’s rise to power in 2015 was marked by his charismatic appeal, his tenure was marred by scandals and a growing disconnection with voters.
At 53, Trudeau’s departure signals the end of an era for Canada’s Liberal Party, one that once seemed destined for a fourth term but is now in the midst of a dramatic shift in leadership.
