9 years in power: Justin Trudeau announces resignation as Canada’s PM
Liberals begin search for new leader
OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed he will step down once his party selects a new leader, marking the end of nearly a decade in power.
This pivotal decision comes as the ruling Liberal Party grapples with plummeting support, intense internal conflicts, and rising opposition momentum.
“Canadians deserve a clear choice in the next election,” Trudeau stated in an address, highlighting the need for fresh leadership amid mounting challenges. Until a new leader is chosen through what he described as a "robust, nationwide process," Trudeau will remain in office.
Party battles
Trudeau’s resignation has intensified the political landscape in Canada. With elections due by October 2025, his exit creates uncertainty for the Liberals, who face record-low polling numbers of 16 percent – the worst pre-election standing in more than a century.
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
Internal party strife has further destabilised the Liberals. Nearly two dozen backbench MPs called for Trudeau's resignation late last year, citing fears of electoral collapse. Adding to the turmoil, Chrystia Freeland, his former finance minister and a close ally, resigned in December, accusing him of prioritising “costly political gimmicks” over addressing critical national issues.
The decision to suspend parliament until 24 March gives the Liberals time to reorganise. However, it also delays the Conservatives’ planned vote of no confidence, which could have triggered an immediate election.
Opposition reactions
Political rivals swiftly seized upon Trudeau’s announcement. Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservatives, dismissed the move as a superficial change. “Every Liberal MP supported Trudeau’s failures over the past nine years. Changing the leader doesn’t erase their record,” Poilievre remarked.
Meet the very strange people who think they should keep running our country for another 4 years.
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) January 7, 2025
pic.twitter.com/qJ4QOKKvad
Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, echoed this sentiment. “The Liberals do not deserve another chance, no matter who their leader is,” Singh stated. His party had previously propped up the Liberal minority government but withdrew its support in late 2024.
Below is my statement on Justin Trudeau’s resignation.
— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 6, 2025
If you oppose callous Conservative cuts.
If you oppose the rich getting richer while everyone else falls further behind.
Stand with the NDP this time: https://t.co/7rFS9LdsDh pic.twitter.com/hQRB4XvRZu
Trudeau’s waning legacy
Once celebrated as the “young face of Canadian politics,” Trudeau's tenure has been overshadowed by controversies and crises. His government faced backlash over ethical scandals, including a family trip to the Aga Khan’s private island and lucrative contracts awarded to organisations with ties to his family.
Economic struggles have compounded his challenges. Soaring housing prices and persistent inflation have eroded public trust, while recent byelections saw the Liberals lose strongholds to opposition parties.
Internationally, Trudeau’s attempts to engage with former US President Donald Trump were met with mockery. Trump’s provocative comments about Canada becoming the “51st state” added to the tension, while his administration’s tariff threats unsettled Canada’s economy.
Next steps for Canada
The Liberal Party president, Sachit Mehra, announced plans to convene a National Board meeting this week to begin the leadership transition.
Please see my statement below.
— Sachit Mehra (@Sachitmehra) January 6, 2025
More details on leadership race timelines and processes can be found in the Liberal Party of Canada’s Constitution: https://t.co/4afT2oDcHj pic.twitter.com/d9HR7sdLYC
The party must now navigate a critical period, balancing internal restructuring with preparing for a general election that could see the Conservatives secure a majority government.
As Trudeau’s leadership draws to a close, Canada enters a new political chapter – one shaped by fierce rivalries, public discontent, and a search for stability in uncertain times.