Justin Trudeau Ends Nine-Year Run, Citing 'Internal Battles' in Canada

Photo: Instagram/@justinpjtrudeau

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will step down as leader of his Liberal Party, ending his nine-year run at the helm of Canadian politics. Under mounting pressure from within his own party, Trudeau said he would stay in office until the Liberals select a new leader. Parliament will be prorogued—temporarily suspended—until March 24.

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During a press conference on Monday, Trudeau explained his reasons for stepping down. He said, “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”

Trudeau’s decision comes after months of criticism and calls for his resignation from members of his own Liberal Party. His declining popularity with voters was seen as a growing obstacle for the party, especially with federal elections on the horizon.

In December, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, a close ally, abruptly resigned. Freeland’s resignation letter criticized Trudeau’s handling of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to impose heavy tariffs on Canadian goods. She also accused him of not addressing the “grave challenges” posed by Trump’s trade policies.

Freeland’s departure further weakened Trudeau’s position. The Liberal Party, already governing as a minority since 2019, lost the support of the New Democrats and the Bloc Quebecois, who had previously helped the Liberals maintain power.

Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre seized the opportunity to criticize Trudeau and the Liberals. In a statement, he said, “Every Liberal MP and leadership contender supported EVERYTHING Trudeau did for 9 years, and now they want to trick voters by swapping in another Liberal face.”

The president of the Liberal Party, Sachit Mehra, announced that the party’s board of directors would meet this week to start the process of selecting a new leader. Trudeau confirmed that he would fully step aside once a new leader is chosen.

“I intend to resign as party leader and as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide competitive process,” Trudeau said.

While stepping down, Trudeau highlighted his achievements as prime minister, including introducing the Canada Child Benefit, creating dental and pharmacare programs, and making strides in reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. He also emphasized his cabinet’s commitment to gender equality, maintaining a 50% representation of women.

Trudeau’s tenure wasn’t without controversy. His government faced scandals, including a deal with a Canadian company accused of corruption and photos that surfaced of him wearing brownface makeup. He also faced backlash over vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the Freedom Convoy protests in early 2022. Trudeau invoked emergency powers to end the demonstrations, a move that drew criticism from some Canadians.

Economic challenges also added to Trudeau’s unpopularity. Rising housing and food prices and strained public services made life more difficult for many Canadians. By late 2024, his approval rating had dropped to just 22%.

Trudeau’s departure marks the end of an era in Canadian politics. The son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin came into office in 2015 with promises of “Sunny Ways” and progressive leadership. His early years were marked by significant achievements, including legalizing recreational cannabis and implementing a national carbon tax.

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However, as the years went on, clouds of criticism and controversy overshadowed his government’s successes. Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations, praised Trudeau’s work on Indigenous issues, saying he had laid a foundation for future governments to build upon.

In Ottawa, reactions to his resignation were mixed. Some celebrated outside Parliament Hill, while others expressed indifference or quiet respect for his leadership. “I mind my own business, I get my wages, I pay the bills. It’s been OK,” said Hames Gamarra, a carpenter from British Columbia.

For others, like Marise Cassivi, Trudeau’s resignation feels like the right step. “It’s the end of an era,” she said. “But it’s the right thing.”

As Trudeau prepares to step aside, Canada faces a period of political uncertainty. The Liberals must choose a new leader to guide the party into the next election, which must be held by October 20. The Conservatives continue to hold a significant lead in the polls, and many believe the Liberals will face a tough battle to regain public support.

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