Justin Trudeau Announces Resignation as Liberal Party Leader

Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, has announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party, marking the end of his nearly nine-year tenure. This decision follows significant internal pressure within his party and declining popularity ahead of federal elections later this year.

Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces his resignation as Liberal leader and prime minister outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)AP

Trudeau’s leadership faced challenges from rising inflation, high housing costs, and growing competition from the Conservative Party, which leads by over 20 points in polls. His resignation follows key events, including Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s unexpected resignation. Freeland cited dissatisfaction with his handling of U.S. trade threats as a major factor in her decision. The Liberal Party, operating as a minority government, struggled to maintain support from smaller parties amid economic concerns and voter discontent.

Trudeau reflected on his tenure, expressing regret over his inability to reform Canada’s electoral system. He acknowledged that many Canadians feel frustrated with the current economic climate. The Liberal Party now faces the task of selecting a new leader through a competitive process. Parliament will remain prorogued until March 24 to facilitate the transition.

Read this:

Trudeau Faces Pressure to Resign After Freeland’s Departure

Legacy: Achievements and Controversies

Justin Trudeau‘s nearly nine-year term as Prime Minister blended progressive reforms with ethical controversies, highlighting his leadership’s complexities.

In 2018, Canada legalized recreational cannabis, becoming the second country to do so. This move aimed to reduce drug-related crime and regulate the market. However, Trudeau’s image as a progressive leader faced criticism during the 2019 election campaign when images of him in blackface surfaced. This scandal sparked outrage and accusations of racism.

His government committed to international climate agreements and implemented measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing Canada’s stance on climate change. At the same time, Trudeau faced accusations of undermining judicial independence in the SNC-Lavalin affair. Critics alleged he pressured Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould to intervene in a corruption trial involving the SNC-Lavalin Group.

Trudeau’s administration launched the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, addressing systemic issues in Indigenous communities. However, he violated ethics rules by vacationing on a billionaire’s private island linked to lobbying efforts directed at his government.

Trudeau’s Cabinet achieved gender parity and introduced policies promoting diversity, such as adding a non-binary gender option on Canadian passports. Yet, his allegations about Indian agents’ involvement in the killing of a Canadian citizen escalated tensions with India, leading to persistent diplomatic disputes.

The Canada Child Benefit program, introduced under Trudeau’s leadership, provided direct financial support to families, aiming to reduce child poverty.

Internal Challenges

Trudeau cited increasing internal dissent and falling approval ratings as reasons for his resignation. He explained that internal party battles hindered his ability to lead effectively during the upcoming elections. His leadership faced scrutiny after several no-confidence votes and significant cabinet reshuffles. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland’s resignation over U.S. trade policy disagreements further destabilized his administration.

As Trudeau ends his nearly nine-year term, he leaves a legacy marked by progressive reforms overshadowed by ethical controversies and political strife. His departure signals a significant shift within the Liberal Party as it prepares for elections without his leadership.