After weeks of silence in the face of a major crisis shaking the federal government, the Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, officially announced his resignation this Monday, January 6, 2025. At the same time, the work of Parliament will be suspended until March, plunging thus the country in a period of political uncertainty.
This decision follows a real shock in Ottawa: the resounding resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Chrystia Freeland, on December 16. This event led the head of state into a difficult, if not impossible, position to defend within his cabinet.
He thus leaves his post as leader of the Liberal Party and federal Prime Minister. “As you know, I am a fighter. I care deeply about Canadians, and the fact is that despite all efforts to get through this, parliament is paralyzed,” he said at the start of his speech.
Since the end of 2024, the idea of proroguing Parliament was considered, and it is now confirmed. This decision will have the effect of suspending all parliamentary work until March 24.
Also read: $250 checks suspended: The Trudeau government reverses its decision
What you need to know: Mr. Trudeau also shared the moment he made his decision to leave political office. “During the holidays, I also had the opportunity to reflect and have discussions with my family. […] Last night (Sunday January 5), at dinner, I shared my decision [avec ma famille] and this is the one I share with you all. I intend to resign after the party chooses a new leader after a [processus] rigorous,” he said.
Here’s what an extension typically entails :
- All pending bills or motions are canceled unless reintroduced in the next session. Parliamentary committees also cease their activities;
- Parliament then resumes its work with a new Speech from the Throne, where the government sets out its priorities and its program.
In case you didn’t know: When the Fall Economic Statement was published last December, we learned that the federal public finance deficit stood at $62 billion, or $22 billion more than had been forecast.
More details will follow.
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