Justin Trudeau resigns as Canada’s prime minister, capping a decade of political highs and lows, and leaving Canada facing uncertainty.

[dropcap]C[/dropcap]anadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday, 6 January 2025, ending a decade-long political career marked by global acclaim, internal controversies, and waning popularity.

Trudeau’s departure leaves his Liberal Party in disarray as Canada braces for political uncertainty, economic challenges, and tensions with President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.

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Trudeau, 53, will remain prime minister until the Liberal Party selects a new leader, a process expected to take months.

His resignation follows mounting internal pressure and public dissatisfaction, with the Liberals trailing the Conservatives—led by populist Pierre Poilievre—by over 20 points in the polls.

“It has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” Trudeau said during his announcement outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa.

Trudeau rose to prominence in 2015 as a progressive champion, pledging climate action, inclusivity, and global leadership.

His early years were marked by bold promises to phase out fossil fuels, promote immigration, and reinvigorate Canada’s international standing.

However, controversies and voter fatigue eroded his support. A 2019 ethics scandal involving Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., combined with revelations of Trudeau wearing blackface at parties, severely dented his reputation.

His approval ratings never fully recovered, and his handling of post-pandemic inflation, rising housing costs, and immigration policies further alienated voters.

Trudeau’s leadership faced renewed criticism after his government invoked emergency powers to quell the Freedom Convoy protests during the Covid-19 pandemic, leading to accusations of overreach.

The recent resignation of his deputy, Chrystia Freeland, and the withdrawal of support from the left-leaning New Democratic Party further weakened his minority government.

Internationally, Trudeau’s tenure ended on a rocky note, with strained relations with China and India. His accusations of India’s involvement in a Sikh activist’s killing sparked a diplomatic standoff, while public criticism from Chinese leader Xi Jinping at a G20 summit underscored growing geopolitical challenges.

Trudeau’s resignation paves the way for a leadership race within the Liberal Party. Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney, a former Bank of England governor, are seen as frontrunners.

Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party is capitalising on Trudeau’s unpopularity, promising tax cuts, reduced spending, and faster housing development.

Poilievre’s populist approach, including his alignment with the Freedom Convoy protests, has gained traction among Canadians frustrated with rising costs and perceived government overreach.

Trudeau’s departure comes as Canada faces an uncertain economic future. Trump’s return to the White House could bring tariffs and trade tensions, further straining Canada’s economy. Internally, rising debt, inflation, and housing shortages remain critical issues for the next government.

As Trudeau reflected on his decade in power, he acknowledged his limitations: “I’ve always been a fighter, but it’s time for a reset.”

His resignation marks the end of an era for Canada, setting the stage for a contentious political battle in the months ahead.