Toronto, January 7, 2025: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will step down after a nine-year tenure, citing internal party struggles and declining popularity ahead of federal elections. Trudeau will remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader, with parliament suspended until March 24.
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and if I’m fighting internal battles, I can’t be that option,” Trudeau said during a press conference in Ottawa. He shared that his decision was conveyed to his children the previous night.
The Liberal Party’s board of directors will meet this week to begin the leadership selection process, according to party president Sachit Mehra. In a statement, Mehra praised Trudeau’s decade-long leadership and credited him with key initiatives, including the Canada Child Benefit and expanded dental and pharmacare programs.
Trudeau’s resignation follows the abrupt departure of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in December. Freeland, a long-time ally, cited frustrations over his handling of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods.
Trump, who has threatened a 25% tariff unless Canada increases border security, claimed credit for Trudeau’s resignation in an online post, suggesting Canada should join the U.S. to avoid tariffs and bolster its security. Canada has since announced new security measures along the U.S. border.
Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau’s exit, stating, “Every Liberal MP backed Trudeau for nine years. Now they want to trick voters by swapping in another Liberal face.” The Conservatives, who hold a double-digit lead in polls, appear poised to win if elections were held today.
With the Liberals governing as a minority since 2019, Trudeau lost key support in December from the New Democrats and Bloc Québécois, who had previously backed his government. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet suggested calling an early election once the Liberals choose their new leader.
The next general election must be held by October 20, 2025. A senior official confirmed that the leadership race will be an open contest, with Trudeau’s office staying out of the process.
