Justin Trudeau Steps Down as Canada's Leader
Justin Trudeau's resignation occurs during the most significant political crisis of his nine-year tenure as Canada's prime minister. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The announcement comes during the most significant political crisis of his nine-year tenure as the country's prime minister.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that he will resign as both party leader and prime minister once a successor is chosen. He noted that “internal battles” within the ruling Liberal Party have hindered his ability to lead the party into the upcoming election.
Trudeau shared this information at his residence, Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, on Monday, following weeks of increasing pressure from his Liberal caucus and a marked decline in national polling numbers.
"This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I am having to fight internal battles I cannot be the best option in that election,” Trudeau remarked.
A general election must occur by October 20. The prime minister has asked the Liberal Party president to begin the process of selecting a new leader.
He also requested a prorogation of Parliament, a procedure that temporarily suspends all parliamentary activities, including debates and votes, without dissolving Parliament, lasting until March 24.
Currently, lawmakers are on their scheduled holiday break and are expected to return on January 27.
This announcement marked the first time Trudeau spoke to reporters since the resignation of former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland from the cabinet on December 16.
Freeland's departure followed disagreements regarding the government's fiscal strategy in light of planned US tariffs. In November, President-elect Donald Trump declared a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, creating economic and political tension.
Trudeau later visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in an attempt to prevent a potential trade war; however, his efforts seemed to backfire.
Having taken office in 2015, Trudeau led the Liberals to two additional wins in 2019 and 2021.
Throughout his initial two terms, Trudeau introduced Senate reforms, negotiated a new trade agreement with the United States, and instituted a carbon tax aimed at reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
He also legalized cannabis, initiated a public inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women, and passed laws allowing medically assisted suicide.
Recent polling suggests that the Liberals are falling behind the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre. As inflation rises and the government faces criticism for its policies, opposition leaders and some Liberal MPs have urged Trudeau to forego a fourth term.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that he will resign as both party leader and prime minister once a successor is chosen. He noted that “internal battles” within the ruling Liberal Party have hindered his ability to lead the party into the upcoming election.
Trudeau shared this information at his residence, Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, on Monday, following weeks of increasing pressure from his Liberal caucus and a marked decline in national polling numbers.
"This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I am having to fight internal battles I cannot be the best option in that election,” Trudeau remarked.
A general election must occur by October 20. The prime minister has asked the Liberal Party president to begin the process of selecting a new leader.
He also requested a prorogation of Parliament, a procedure that temporarily suspends all parliamentary activities, including debates and votes, without dissolving Parliament, lasting until March 24.
Currently, lawmakers are on their scheduled holiday break and are expected to return on January 27.
This announcement marked the first time Trudeau spoke to reporters since the resignation of former Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland from the cabinet on December 16.
Freeland's departure followed disagreements regarding the government's fiscal strategy in light of planned US tariffs. In November, President-elect Donald Trump declared a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports, creating economic and political tension.
Trudeau later visited Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in an attempt to prevent a potential trade war; however, his efforts seemed to backfire.
Having taken office in 2015, Trudeau led the Liberals to two additional wins in 2019 and 2021.
Throughout his initial two terms, Trudeau introduced Senate reforms, negotiated a new trade agreement with the United States, and instituted a carbon tax aimed at reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
He also legalized cannabis, initiated a public inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women, and passed laws allowing medically assisted suicide.
Recent polling suggests that the Liberals are falling behind the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre. As inflation rises and the government faces criticism for its policies, opposition leaders and some Liberal MPs have urged Trudeau to forego a fourth term.
Olivia Brown contributed to this report for TROIB News
