Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to step down, saying he will leave office once the ruling Liberal Party selects a new leader. Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party for 11 years and served as prime minister for nine, revealed the decision during a news conference on Monday.
“Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I have been inspired by the resilience, generosity, and determination of Canadians,” he said. “I have fought for this country, for you.”
The announcement comes amid mounting challenges for Trudeau’s administration, including strained diplomatic and economic relations with the United States, the resignation of key allies, and plummeting public approval ratings.
Trudeau confirmed that Canada’s parliament will be suspended until March 24 to allow the Liberal Party to select a new leader. This decision comes at a time of heightened political uncertainty, with the opposition gaining ground and significant policy challenges on the horizon.
“We are at a critical moment in the world,” Trudeau remarked. He highlighted his administration’s commitment to supporting Ukraine, managing the COVID-19 pandemic, combating climate change, and preparing Canada’s economy for future challenges.
Trudeau described his nearly decade-long tenure as a time of significant national and global challenges, yet he expressed pride in his government’s achievements.
“We rallied to support each other through the pandemic … to stand strong with Ukraine, and our democracy, to fight climate change, and to get our economy ready for the future,” he said, listing these efforts as among his proudest moments as leader.
However, Trudeau also expressed a notable regret regarding Canada’s electoral process. “If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election — well, probably many regrets that I will think of,” he said. “But I do wish we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country so that people could simply choose a second choice, or a third choice on the same ballot.”
Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of an era in Canadian politics defined by his progressive policies and charismatic leadership, but also by significant challenges and controversies. His decision opens the door for new leadership within the Liberal Party, which now faces the task of revitalizing its vision and reconnecting with voters ahead of future elections.
