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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation Amid Mounting Challenges

OTTAWA—Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that he will step down as leader of the country’s ruling Liberal Party and resign as prime minister once a new party leader is selected.

“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its new leader,” the 53-year-old leader said during a news conference in Ottawa.

Trudeau also confirmed that Canada’s parliament will be suspended until March 24, allowing the Liberal Party time to choose a successor. Reflecting on his tenure, Trudeau cited his one regret—failing to reform Canada’s electoral process ahead of the upcoming general election expected this fall.

“If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election—well, probably many regrets that I will think of—it’s that we weren’t able to change how we elect our governments in this country,” Trudeau said. “I wish we had given people the ability to choose a second or third option on the ballot.”

Political Landscape

Trudeau has led the Liberal Party for 11 years and served as prime minister for nine, but his leadership has come under increasing pressure due to a series of crises, including tariff threats from former U.S. President Donald Trump, key resignations, and declining poll numbers. With a general election looming later this year and polls indicating a likely loss, Trudeau’s decision to resign may be seen as a strategic move to step down before facing electoral defeat.

Justin Trudeau came to power in 2015, promising “sunny ways” and championing progressive policies on climate change and Indigenous rights. However, economic dissatisfaction has grown in recent years, exemplified by a viral confrontation with a steelworker who criticized Trudeau for failing to address the rising cost of living.

“You’re not really doing anything for us, Justin,” the worker said—a sentiment echoed by many Canadians.

I will always fight for this country, and do what I believe is in the best interest of Canadians. pic.twitter.com/AE2nSsx5Nu

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 7, 2025

Last year, Trudeau’s government faced turmoil following the unexpected resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who quit just hours before delivering her annual fiscal update. In her resignation letter, Freeland criticized Trudeau’s “political gimmicks,” including a two-month sales tax holiday and rebates that were perceived as pre-election handouts.

Freeland had warned that Canada could ill afford such policies, especially amid looming tariffs from the Trump administration. Trump, who is set to return to the White House later this month, has vowed to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Canada.

Trade Relations with the U.S.

Canada remains one of the United States’ largest trading partners, with annual bilateral trade exceeding $850 billion in goods and services. The U.S. is Canada’s largest export market, accounting for approximately 75% of Canadian exports, including key sectors like energy, automotive, and agriculture. The looming tariffs could significantly impact this trade relationship, further complicating Canada’s economic outlook.

Trump, who has frequently targeted Trudeau, referred to the prime minister as the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada” on social media, reiterating his desire for a U.S.-Canada merger.

Succession and Upcoming Election

The Liberal Party’s national executive will meet this week to discuss leadership matters. Suspending parliament is intended to give the party time to regroup ahead of a general election, which must be held by October 20. Potential successors include Mark Carney, former governor of both the Bank of Canada and Bank of England; Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly; and former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party trails the opposition Conservative Party by more than 20 percentage points in national polls. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, known for his populist rhetoric, seized on Trudeau’s resignation to promote his vision for Canada.

“Canadians can take back control of their lives and their country,” Poilievre said in a video posted on X. “We’ll cap spending, axe taxes, reward work, build homes, uphold families, stop crime, secure borders, rearm our forces, restore our freedom, and put Canada first.”

Freeland, a potential contender for the Liberal leadership, thanked Trudeau for his service in a post on X. “I thank Justin Trudeau for his years of service to Canada and Canadians. I wish him and his family the very best,” she wrote.

Trudeau, who was elected three times, most recently in 2021, acknowledged Freeland’s departure. “I had hoped she would continue as my deputy, but she chose otherwise,” he said, declining to elaborate on their discussions.

Reaction from Washington

Reacting to Trudeau’s resignation, U.S. President-elect Trump reiterated his suggestion that Canada join the United States.

“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State,” Trump posted on Truth Social. “If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from Russian and Chinese threats. Together, what a great nation it would be!”

Justin Trudeau criticized Poilievre’s vision for Canada during his farewell address, warning against policies that he said would undermine the country’s core values.

“Stopping the fight against climate change doesn’t make sense. Backing off on diversity, attacking journalists, and dismantling key institutions like the CBC is not the path forward,” Trudeau said. “Canada needs an ambitious, optimistic future, and Pierre Poilievre is not offering that.”