LIVE: Parliament grills Barker-Vormawor over bribery allegation
Canada's PM Justin Trudeau resigns to present a "real choice" in next election
Canada's PM Justin Trudeau resigns to present a "real choice" in next election
By: Nii Ammui Fio | 2 mins read
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party, stating that he will step down to ensure a "real choice" in the upcoming federal election.
The decision, made public on Monday, comes amid growing internal dissent, a no-confidence motion set for later in January, and slipping poll numbers that have raised questions about his political future.
"Every morning I have woken up as prime minister, I’ve been inspired by the resilience, the generosity and the determination of Canadians," Trudeau remarked during his announcement from Rideau Cottage in Ottawa.
Trudeau, 53, acknowledged the challenges his party faces as it prepares for a federal election. He emphasized the importance of stepping aside, once a suitable replacement has been found, to allow the Liberals to present fresh leadership to the electorate. "This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it is become clear to me that, if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election."
His decision was made ahead of the Liberal Party’s national caucus meeting on Wednesday.
Trudeau has served as prime minister since 2015, leading the Liberals to victories in both the 2019 and 2021 elections. The son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau had a diverse career before entering politics, having worked as a snowboard instructor, bartender, bouncer, and teacher. He was first elected to the House of Commons in 2008, representing a working-class Montreal district.
During his tenure, Trudeau implemented key policies, including overhauling the Senate to reduce partisanship, renegotiating a new trade deal with the United States, and introducing a carbon tax to curb greenhouse gas emissions. His government also legalized cannabis, launched a public inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women, and passed legislation permitting medically assisted suicide.
Reflecting on his achievements, Trudeau stated, "We got elected in 2015 to fight for the middle class, and that’s exactly what we’ve done over the past years. We’ve reduced their taxes, we’ve increased the benefits to families, we made sure the economy was focused on working for everyone and not just a few."
In an additional development, Trudeau has requested that Canada’s Parliament be prorogued until March 24, a request that has been approved by Governor General Mary Simon.
With Trudeau stepping down, the Liberal Party now faces the challenge of selecting a new leader through a special leadership convention. This process could take months to organize, but with the looming election before October 20, the party risks running into complications, as an interim prime minister chosen by the party members may not be in place in time for the vote. This situation would mark an unprecedented scenario in Canadian politics.
"I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process," Trudeau said, signaling that the future of the Liberal Party will soon be in the hands of its members.
