Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation. What comes next?

 Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation. What comes next?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Resigns: What’s Next for Canada?

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that he will resign as Canada’s leader and as head of the Liberal Party once a new party leader is selected.

“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its new leader,” the 53-year-old said during a news conference in Ottawa.

To facilitate the leadership transition, Trudeau also announced that Canada’s parliament will be suspended until March 24 while the Liberal Party chooses its new leader.

Reflecting on Regrets

During his announcement, Trudeau expressed regret over his failure to reform Canada’s electoral system, a goal he had championed.

“If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election — well, probably many regrets that I will think of,” he admitted. “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.”

Why Is Trudeau Stepping Down?

Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party for 11 years and served as prime minister for nine, has faced mounting challenges in recent years. From escalating economic dissatisfaction to a series of political crises and plummeting opinion polls, his leadership has come under increasing scrutiny.

His decision to resign could be seen as preempting a potential defeat in the upcoming general election, expected later this year, where he is widely projected to lose.

Trudeau initially rose to power in 2015 with a vision of “sunny ways,” focusing on progressive priorities such as combating climate change and addressing historical injustices faced by Indigenous communities. However, his later years in office were marked by economic struggles and growing public dissatisfaction.

A viral exchange with a steelworker epitomized this discontent. “You’re not really doing anything for us, Justin,” the worker told him, reflecting frustrations over the rising cost of living.

Key Political Challenges

Trudeau’s administration also faced turbulence with the unexpected resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland last year. Her departure, just hours before she was set to deliver the annual fiscal update, sent shockwaves through Canadian politics.

In her resignation letter, Freeland criticized Trudeau’s “political gimmicks,” likely referencing controversial pre-election measures such as a two-month sales tax holiday and CA$250 ($175) rebates for most workers. These policies were seen as attempts to regain voter support amid a looming election.

Compounding these domestic challenges is pressure from south of the border. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, poised to return to office on January 20, has announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian imports. Trump has also mocked Trudeau and Canada on social media, calling him the “governor” of the “Great State of Canada.”

What Happens Next?

The Liberal Party’s national executive, responsible for leadership matters, is expected to meet this week following discussions within the caucus. The suspension of parliament allows the party time to organize and select a new leader.

Potential candidates to succeed Trudeau include prominent figures such as former Bank of England and Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, among others.

As Canada navigates this pivotal moment, Trudeau’s departure marks the end of an era defined by both significant achievements and notable challenges. The country now waits to see who will take the helm and how they will steer Canada through its next chapter.