Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party.
Speaking at a press conference in Ottawa on Monday, the 53-year-old confirmed his intention to step down. “I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its new leader."
"This country deserves a real choice in the next election and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," he added during the press conference. Trudeau will remain prime minister in a caretaker capacity until a new leader is chosen.
Trudeau also revealed that Canada’s parliament will be suspended until March 24 to facilitate the leadership transition.
“Parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history,” he said. “This morning, I advised the Governor General that we need a new session of parliament. She has granted this request, and the House will now be prorogued until March 24.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Trudeau expressed regret over his inability to reform Canada’s electoral system. “If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election — well, probably many regrets that I will think of,” Trudeau said.
“But I do wish we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country so that people could simply choose a second choice, or a third choice on the same ballot.”
Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party since 2013 and served as prime minister since 2015, has faced mounting pressure to resign due to declining poll numbers and internal party discontent. Calls for his resignation intensified after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland stepped down in December following policy disagreements, including disputes over handling potential US tariffs under Donald Trump’s incoming administration.
With the Liberals trailing the opposition Conservatives in opinion polls ahead of an election due by late October, Trudeau’s resignation paves the way for the party to appoint an interim leader and prepare for a special leadership convention.
Key points of Trudeau's speech
Opposition parties react
“The problem is not just Justin Trudeau. It’s every minister that’s been calling the shots. It’s every Liberal MP that looked down their nose at Canadians who are worried about high costs or crumbling health care. The Liberals do not deserve another chance, no matter who is the leader," Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party, said: "Nothing has changed. 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."
