Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party. This decision comes just months before a critical federal election.
After a decade in power, Trudeau cited internal party divisions and declining public support as reasons for his departure. However, he will remain prime minister until a new leader is selected.
Speaking outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Trudeau acknowledged his party’s challenges and admitted he could no longer be the best option to lead them into the election, scheduled for October 20.
He confirmed that parliament will be prorogued until March 24 to allow the Liberal Party to select a successor.
Trudeau’s resignation follows mounting pressure after several setbacks for the Liberals. Poor polling, internal dissatisfaction, and key by-election defeats have eroded confidence in the party’s ability to secure a fourth term.
Last month, Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned, further destabilizing the government.
Freeland’s departure, coinciding with the anticipated release of the government’s autumn economic update, marked a particularly damaging moment for Trudeau’s administration.
The upcoming election is widely expected to favour the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre. Recent surveys suggest the Conservatives are poised to win decisively, further intensifying pressure on Trudeau to step aside.
Trudeau’s time, as well as both significant achievements and controversies, marked the prime minister. Over the past ten years, he introduced landmark policies such as legalizing assisted dying and recreational cannabis and banning assault weapons following a tragic mass shooting in Nova Scotia that claimed 22 lives.
Despite these accomplishments, his tenure has also been overshadowed by scandals, including the emergence of photos showing him in blackface in 2019, which sparked widespread criticism.
Trudeau’s leadership also included navigating a complex relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, which was characterized by tension but a shared commitment to maintaining strong bilateral ties.
As the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau inherited a powerful political legacy. While his father served for 15 years, Justin’s decade-long tenure outlasted most Western leaders in office when he assumed power in 2015.
His decision to step down represents a turning point for the Liberal Party, which now faces the daunting task of selecting a new leader and preparing for a high-stakes election. Trudeau’s departure marks the end of an era in Canadian politics, leaving a legacy of progress, controversy, and challenges for his party to navigate in the months ahead.
