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By Michael D. Carroll
Breaking News Editor
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Justin Trudeau has dramatically announced his resignation as leader of Canada, ending nearly a decade in power.
Why It Matters
Trudeau explained in a news conference that 'internal battles' mean he 'cannot be the best option' in an election.
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Trudeau acknowledged that it is "obvious" he cannot lead the Liberal Party into the next election, which is constitutionally required to be held this year.
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What to Know
"I have always been driven by my love for Canada, my desire to serve Canadians ... and Canadians deserve a real choice in the next election," Trudeau said.
"It is obvious to me that I cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election."
Trudeau emphasized his commitment to public service, stating, "I'm a fighter, and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians."
However, he acknowledged the challenges facing his leadership and the government. "But ... Parliament has been paralyzed for months," he admitted, highlighting the political gridlock that has plagued his administration and contributed to his decision to step down.
His admission reflects the growing recognition of his declining support within both the party and the broader electorate. The decision comes shortly after the sudden resignation of his finance minister, a move that also underscored the escalating unrest within his government.
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Trudeau's departure marks the end of an era for the Liberal leader, who initially garnered widespread acclaim but faced growing criticism in recent years as his administration grappled with internal and external challenges.
An official familiar with the situation confirmed that Parliament, originally scheduled to resume on Jan. 27, will now be suspended until March 24. The extended recess is intended to provide time for the Liberal Party to conduct a leadership race following Trudeau's resignation. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak ahead of an official announcement Monday.
Why Is Justin Trudeau Resigning?
Trudeau rose to power in 2015, ending a decade of Conservative Party rule and earning widespread praise for steering Canada back toward its liberal roots. As the son of one of the country's most iconic prime ministers, his leadership initially symbolized a renewed era of progressivism.
However, the 53-year-old leader's popularity has plummeted in recent years, with voters increasingly frustrated over issues such as the soaring costs of food and housing and rising immigration. These challenges have fueled discontent and eroded the public support that once defined his tenure.
Adding to the strain, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian products unless Canada curbs what he claims is a flow of migrants and drugs into the United States. This demand comes despite evidence that far fewer migrants and drugs cross into the U.S. from Canada compared to Mexico, highlighting a brewing trade and diplomatic standoff.
What Is Justin Trudeau's Approval Rating?
Poilievre, the leader of the Canadian conservatives, is polling at 44 percent— more than double Trudeau's 20 percent.
Trudeau's approval rating hit a sharp decline in the months leading up to his resignation, a far cry from its peak of 65 percent in September 2016, just a year after he took office. The steep drop reflects growing dissatisfaction among Canadians, marking a stark contrast to the widespread support he once enjoyed early in his tenure.
However, Trudeau has remained defiant in the face of Poilievre's lead "Attacking journalists, the CBC institution, that's not what Canadians need in this moment. We need an ambitious, optimistic view of the future, and Pierre Poilievre is not offering that."
What People Are Saying
Political science professor at McGill University in Montreal, Daniel Béland said "His long silence following this political drama speaks volumes about the weakness of his current position."
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre responded to Trudeau's resignation with a renewed call for a general election, sharply criticizing the Liberal Party's leadership and policies "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 to keep ripping off Canadians for another 4 years, just like Justin." He continued: "The only way to fix what Liberals broke is a carbon tax election to elect common sense Conservatives who will bring home Canada's promise."
Trudeau said in his news conference on Monday "There will be confidence votes in March in the passing of supply that will allow Parliament to weigh in on confidence in a way that is entirely in keeping with the principles of democracy and working of our institutions."
What Happens Next
All three main opposition parties have declared their intention to bring down the Liberal Party in a no-confidence vote when Parliament reconvenes. With this unified stance, a spring election to choose a permanent replacement for Trudeau appears all but inevitable.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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