New Delhi: After nearly a decade of leadership, Justin Trudeau, Canada’s charismatic yet polarizing Prime Minister, announced his resignation on Monday, citing “internal battles” within his Liberal Party. This decision marks the end of Trudeau’s nine-year tenure, a period defined by transformative policies, controversial moments, and a rapidly shifting political landscape. With his resignation, Trudeau leaves behind a legacy that will be analyzed for years, as Canada faces an uncertain future under new leadership.
Trudeau’s Announcement: A Leader’s Farewell
During a press conference in Ottawa, Trudeau revealed his decision to step down, stating, “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.” The Prime Minister confirmed that he would remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader, with parliament prorogued until March 24, 2025. This timeline sets the stage for a critical transition period in Canadian politics.
Trudeau admitted that his decision was influenced by discussions with his family. “Last night, over dinner, I told my kids about the decision that I’m sharing with you today,” he said, emphasizing the personal weight of this milestone moment. The Liberal Party’s president, Sachit Mehra, expressed gratitude for Trudeau’s decade-long leadership, highlighting achievements such as the Canada Child Benefit, dental care initiatives, and the legalization of recreational cannabis.
Political Pressures and Declining Popularity
Trudeau’s resignation comes amidst mounting pressure from within his own party and a sharp decline in public approval. Recent polls indicated that only 22% of Canadians approved of his leadership, with the Liberal Party’s support plunging to a historic low of 16%. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre seized the moment, accusing the Liberals of attempting to “trick voters by swapping in another Liberal face to keep ripping off Canadians for another four years.”
The cracks within Trudeau’s government became apparent in December 2024, when Chrystia Freeland, his long-time ally and deputy prime minister, abruptly resigned. In her public resignation letter, Freeland criticized Trudeau’s handling of the U.S. tariff threats under Donald Trump’s administration and questioned his leadership amid growing economic challenges. Freeland’s departure served as a tipping point, intensifying calls for Trudeau to step aside.
Economic Challenges: The Fallout of Leadership
Under Trudeau’s leadership, Canada faced several economic hurdles that contributed to his declining popularity. Inflation, which peaked in 2022, strained household budgets as housing prices and food costs soared. Although inflation has since cooled, its impact left lasting scars on public sentiment. Trudeau’s ambitious immigration policies also came under scrutiny, with critics arguing that the influx of newcomers strained public services and worsened housing shortages.
Economic experts, such as Gerald Butts, Trudeau’s former principal secretary, acknowledged that the government was slow to address inflation. “Inflation is a government killer,” Butts remarked, emphasizing how the Liberals’ delayed response to economic pressures hurt their public image. These challenges created fertile ground for opposition parties to capitalize on voter discontent, further weakening Trudeau’s position.
Scandals and Controversies: A Stumbling Legacy
Trudeau’s tenure was not without controversy. Early in his leadership, he faced criticism for ethics violations, including accepting luxury gifts and vacations from lobbyists. In 2020, revelations about his family’s financial ties to WE Charity, a government contractor, sparked public outrage. More recently, his government’s handling of the Freedom Convoy protests in 2022—where he invoked emergency powers to dismantle the demonstrations—fueled divisions within the nation.
Additionally, Trudeau’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities was overshadowed by controversies such as his decision to skip Canada’s first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation to attend a personal vacation. While his government made strides in addressing Indigenous issues, including clean drinking water initiatives and residential school compensation, critics argue that much work remains unfinished.
The Road Ahead for Canada’s Liberals
The Liberal Party now faces the daunting task of selecting a new leader to rebuild public trust and navigate the political turbulence ahead. Potential contenders include former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, Transport Minister Anita Anand, and ex-central banker Mark Carney. Liberal insiders have emphasized that the leadership race will be open and competitive, aiming to rejuvenate the party’s image ahead of the next federal election.
Bloc Quebecois leader Yves-François Blanchet has already suggested calling an early election once the Liberals finalize their leadership transition. Meanwhile, the Conservatives, led by Poilievre, continue to dominate the polls with a commanding 29-point lead. This raises the stakes for the Liberals, as they must rally behind a new leader capable of uniting the party and regaining voter confidence.
Trudeau’s Legacy: A Mixed Bag of Achievements and Shortcomings
Justin Trudeau’s political journey began with great promise in 2015, as he led the Liberals to a sweeping majority under the banner of “Sunny Ways.” His government championed progressive policies, including gender parity in cabinet, the implementation of a national carbon tax, and the legalization of recreational cannabis. Trudeau also positioned Canada as a global leader on climate change and refugee resettlement.
However, his leadership was marred by missteps and controversies that eroded public trust. While his policies brought tangible benefits to many Canadians, critics argue that his government struggled to adapt to evolving challenges, particularly during his second term. The pandemic exposed weaknesses in Canada’s healthcare system, and post-pandemic economic recovery efforts failed to meet public expectations.
Indigenous leaders, such as Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, have praised Trudeau for making meaningful progress on reconciliation. However, they acknowledge that the foundation he built requires significant work from future governments to achieve lasting change.
International Implications: Strained Relations with the U.S. and India
Trudeau’s resignation also holds implications for Canada’s international relationships. Tensions with the U.S. escalated under Donald Trump’s administration, with threats of tariffs and disputes over border security. While Trudeau sought to address these challenges, his efforts often fell short, leading to economic uncertainty.
Relations with India reached a breaking point in September 2023, when Trudeau accused New Delhi of involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This strained diplomatic ties and froze bilateral negotiations on key issues. Analysts suggest that new leadership in Ottawa could create opportunities to mend relations with India, though significant hurdles remain.
Public Reaction: A Nation Divided
Trudeau’s resignation has elicited mixed reactions across Canada. In Ottawa, small groups of protesters celebrated the announcement, while others expressed nostalgia for his early years in office. “It feels like the end of an era,” said one citizen, adding, “but it’s the right thing to do.”
Social media platforms have also been flooded with reactions, ranging from memes mocking Trudeau’s leadership to heartfelt tributes highlighting his achievements. This reflects the divisive nature of his tenure, as Canadians grapple with the complexities of his legacy.
Conclusion: The End of an Era
Justin Trudeau’s resignation marks a pivotal moment in Canadian politics. His leadership brought both hope and controversy, shaping the nation in profound ways over the past nine years. As the Liberal Party prepares to select a new leader, Canada stands at a crossroads, facing economic uncertainty, political division, and evolving international challenges. Trudeau’s departure signals the end of an era, offering a chance for renewal as the country looks ahead to its next chapter.
FAQs
Why did Justin Trudeau resign?
Trudeau cited internal battles within his Liberal Party and declining public support as reasons for stepping down, stating that he could no longer be the best choice for leading the party into the next election.
When will Trudeau officially step down?
Trudeau will remain Prime Minister until the Liberal Party selects a new leader, with Parliament prorogued until March 24, 2025.
Who are the potential successors to Trudeau?
Possible contenders include former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, Transport Minister Anita Anand, and ex-central banker Mark Carney.
How has public opinion affected Trudeau’s decision?
Trudeau faced declining approval ratings, with only 22% of Canadians supporting his leadership, and internal pressure from Liberal MPs contributed to his resignation.
What legacy does Trudeau leave behind?
Trudeau’s legacy includes progressive policies such as gender equality, carbon taxes, and reconciliation with Indigenous communities, alongside controversies that tarnished his public image.
