“It has become clear that I cannot be leader in the next election because of internal battles,” he said in front of Rideau Cottage, his official residence.
After “long conversations” with his family “during the holiday season,” the “fighter», who does not back down “easily from a fight”, has finally faced the facts.
“So last night at dinner I shared with my children the decision that I share with all of you today: I intend to resign as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and as Prime Minister once the party has chosen its next leader following a national, rigorous and competitive process,” he announced, visibly moved.
He said he had during the holidays “the opportunity to reflect and have long conversations” with his family. (Patrick Woodbury/Le Droit)
“The country deserves a clear and real choice in the next elections.”
The president of the Liberal Party of Canada, Sachit Mehra, announced that a meeting of the National Council will take place this week to launch the process of selecting a new leader of the party.
Mr. Trudeau also indicated that he had asked the Governor General of Canada, Mary Simon, to prorogue Parliament until March 24, which she accepted. This will prevent opposition parties from overthrowing the government before then.
“Parliament needs a resetneeds to calm down a little to get back to work for Canadians and not engage in constant petty politics”, justified Justin Trudeau, deploring the paralysis of parliamentary work which has taken place since September.
Supports that collapsed
Support for the Prime Minister, already eroded by successive defeats in Liberal strongholds this summer, collapsed after the resounding departure of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in mid-December, the same morning of the presentation of its economic statement.
Mr. Trudeau, who was dumped by the main regional caucuses of his political party during the holidays and risked being shown the door by his deputies on Wednesday, did not want to give his version of the facts on the departure of Ms. Freeland, whose name is circulating in the media as a candidate seeking to succeed him.
However, he stressed that he would have “really wished” that his long-time political partner “took on one of the most important files”, that of Canadian-American relations.
“I thank Justin Trudeau for his years of service to Canada and Canadians. I wish him and his family the best,” she reacted on X.
Pushed towards the exit door by “internal battles”, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, announced his resignation on Monday. (CPAC)
Oppositions demand quick elections
Justin Trudeau’s resignation “changes nothing”, according to the opposition parties, who had already indicated that they would withdraw their confidence in the government at the first opportunity.
“The only way to repair what the Liberals have broken is to hold elections,” reacted Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, publishing on X a video of approximately four minutes in which he attacks the Liberal government’s record.
According to him, “all the Liberal MPs, ministers and candidates for leadership of the party helped Justin Trudeau to break this country.” And no matter who takes over as chieftaincy, he will not get his support.
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre speaks to reporters in the foyer of the House of Commons, in Ottawa, Monday, December 16, 2024. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press Archives)
The leader of the Bloc Québécois, Yves-François Blanchet, also called for elections as soon as Justin Trudeau’s successor “arrives in office”.
According to Mr. Blanchet, the Liberal government “has only presented appearances in terms of preserving the French language”, has “completely lost control over public spending” and has been “multiculturalist to the point of irresponsibility “.
“It will be up to history to assess Justin Trudeau’s personal record as prime minister, but Quebecers will pass judgment on the record of the Liberal government in general. And I am afraid that this judgment will be extremely severe,” he added.
Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet stands up during question period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Wednesday, October 9, 2024. (Spencer Colby/Canadian Press Archives)
Mr. Blanchet, however, welcomed the resignation of Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party, which he described as a “good decision.”
The leader of the New Democratic Party of Canada, Jagmeet Singh, affirmed that under no circumstances will he support Justin Trudeau’s replacement between now and the election.
“It’s over, that’s clear. When there is a motion of censure, the New Democrats will vote against the government,” and “no matter who the new leader is.”
The Prime Minister of Quebec, François Legault, also welcomed Justin Trudeau’s political commitment on Monday. “We have significant challenges awaiting us, particularly with the arrival of Donald Trump on January 20. I will continue to work with Mr. Trudeau, his successor and the government in place to avoid these tariffs,” he added.
The Premier of Alberta, Danielle Smith, for her part, accused the Liberals “of putting their selfish political interests before Canadians” by proroguing Parliament at a time when the country must face “one of the negotiations most important international organizations.
“This is one of the most irresponsible and selfish acts of a government in Canadian history,” she wrote, calling on all federal parties “to force elections to be held at the first opportunity.
Donald Trump returns to the charge
The announcement of Justin Trudeau’s imminent resignation comes as United States President-elect Donald Trump threatens to impose 25% tariffs after he takes office on January 20.
In recent weeks, the Republican has also described Justin Trudeau as “governor of Canada” several times, reiterating his allusion to an annexation of Canada by the United States on his Truth Social network.
Donald Trump quickly reacted to the resignation of the Canadian Prime Minister.
“The United States can no longer endure the massive trade deficits and subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this and resigned. If Canada merged with the United States, there would be no tariffs, taxes would go down significantly, and they would be TOTALLY safe from the threat of Russian and Chinese ships constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”
His new accomplice, the multi-billionaire Elon Musk, who will be in charge of a new department on government efficiency in the next Trump administration, has several times shown his support for Pierre Poilievre during the holidays.
