Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that he is stepping down as Prime Minister, creating a vacancy in Canadian leadership. This move opens the door for another member of the Liberal Party to step up or possibly for the Conservatives to take control during this tumultuous period.
The news started circulating on Sunday when the Globe and Mail revealed Trudeau’s plans to resign before a Wednesday meeting with the Liberal Party’s caucus. By Monday morning, reports confirmed that Trudeau would remain as prime minister until a successor is chosen, according to CNN.
🚨BREAKING: Justin Trudeau has officially resigned as Prime Minister of Canada. pic.twitter.com/xN1MoCkqyf
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) January 6, 2025
In an impromptu press conference outside his residence, Trudeau stated, “I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its new leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process.” He shared that after reflecting and having long discussions with his family about their future, he decided it was time for change. “Throughout my career, any success I have personally achieved has been because of their support and with their encouragement,” he said. Over dinner with his kids last night, he shared his decision with them.
Just last month, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned due to frustrations over Trudeau’s inability to negotiate effectively with figures like Donald Trump. With declining poll numbers threatening a significant defeat for the Liberals in October elections, Freeland is considered one potential candidate to succeed him. However, if she or another candidate does not unite the party’s coalition swiftly enough, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre from the Conservative Party might seize this opportunity.