OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Liberal leader Monday, but he will remain in office until a replacement is elected as new leader.
Parliament will also be prorogued, that is to say that parliamentary activities will be adjourned until March 24, to allow time for the election of a successor to Mr. Trudeau. The latter went to see Governor General Mary Simon at Rideau Hall, who agreed to pause Parliament.
Justin Trudeau, visibly emotional, made the announcement during a press conference at 10:45 a.m. at Rideau Cottage, the place he has occupied for nine years, since his election in 2015.
This resignation follows growing discontent from the Liberal caucus in recent weeks, when many members of the Liberal caucus from Ontario and the Atlantic had asked the Prime Minister to leave. This follows the shocking departure last month of Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Franco-Ontarian MP Francis Drouin was one of those who called for Mr. Trudeau’s departure following Ms. Freeland’s resignation.
-Several media outlets, including the Globe And Mail, have reported in recent days that Justin Trudeau was preparing to leave before an emergency meeting of the national caucus, which was to be held on Wednesday.
According to the polling site 338 Canada, the Liberal Party could be relegated to third place after having formed the last three governments. The Liberals, who currently have 153 seats, could go down to 35 while the Conservatives are projected to obtain a strong majority with more than 230 seats.
More details to come...
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