TORONTO — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday amid increasing dissatisfaction with his leadership. This decision follows the unexpected departure of his Finance Minister, highlighting the growing turmoil within his government.
Trudeau acknowledged that it was clear he could not lead the Liberal Party into the next election due to internal conflicts. He plans to remain in office until a new leader is elected for the Liberal Party.
“I don’t back down easily from a fight, especially one that is significant for our party and our country. However, I take this job seriously because I always prioritize the interests of Canadians and the health of our democracy,” he stated.
A source familiar with the situation announced that parliamentary activities, initially set to resume on January 27, will now be postponed until March 24. This break will allow for a leadership contest within the Liberal Party. The source requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak on the matter publicly.
The three main opposition parties have indicated their intention to challenge the Liberal government in a no-confidence vote when Parliament reconvenes, which all but guarantees a spring election to find a permanent replacement for Trudeau.
“The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in our nation’s history and democracy. A new prime minister and Liberal leader will carry our values and ideals into the next election,” Trudeau expressed. “I am looking forward to witnessing this process unfold in the coming months.”
Trudeau first took office in 2015 after a decade of Conservative leadership and was initially praised for restoring a liberal agenda. However, in recent years, he has faced significant unpopularity among voters over various issues, including rising food and housing costs and increased immigration.
