Canada’s Justin Trudeau Resignation: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is increasingly expected to announce his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party, a source familiar with his thinking revealed on Sunday. While Trudeau has not yet made a final decision, discussions are underway, the source told Reuters.
The report comes after the Globe and Mail suggested Trudeau could make his announcement as early as Monday, marking the end of a nine-year tenure. The Prime Minister’s Office has not commented on the matter and Trudeau’s official schedule for Monday lists virtual participation in a Canada-US relations cabinet meeting.
Liberal party at a crossroads
Trudeau’s resignation would leave the Liberal Party in search of a new leader amid a growing sense of urgency. Recent polls predict the Liberals would face a significant defeat to the opposition Conservatives in the next general election, due by October.
Pressure on Trudeau has mounted following the loss of traditionally safe seats in by-elections and a series of low approval ratings. Liberal lawmakers, concerned about the party’s declining popularity, have openly called for a leadership change.
According to sources, Trudeau may either leave immediately or stay on as Prime Minister until the Liberals elect a new leader. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc has reportedly been approached about serving as interim leader, though his candidacy for the party’s leadership could complicate matters.
Trudeau, 53, became Liberal leader in 2013 when the party was struggling, eventually leading them to a resounding victory in 2015 on promises of progressive reform and climate action. However, his tenure has faced mounting challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, surging inflation, and a housing crisis exacerbated by immigration policies.
Calls for Trudeau to step down intensified after his failed attempt to demote then-Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who resigned, accusing him of prioritising “political gimmicks” over effective governance.