Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Canada’s Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.
Standing in front of the historical Rideau Cottage, his residence, Trudeau told reporters:
”This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it’s become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
In light of this, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon agreed to prorogue, or suspend, Parliament until March 24.
A questionable character
Trudeau’s controversial role as Prime Minister began in 2015. He is widely criticized for economic mismanagement, especially regarding inflation, immigration, Canada’s housing crisis and healthcare constraints.
Numerous factors contributed to these issues. Not all of them are entirely in the hands of Trudeau. However many economists, analysts and political figures attribute their snowballing to Trudeau’s delayed reactions and misguided priorities.
Trudeau’s credibility was also heavily damaged over the years by multiple scandals and ethical breaches, such as with the WE Charity and SNC Lavalin.
Tensions boiled to a head when Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned in December 2024. Her decision is considered one of the greatest challenges Trudeau faced in his political career.
Freeland, who also served as deputy prime minister, quit amidst Trudeau’s lacklustre response to Donald Trump’s 25% tariff threats and chronic overspending.
In her resignation letter, Freeland outlined that Trudeau asked her to stand down as finance minister, therefore demoting her to another Cabinet position.
She wrote “To be effective, a Minister must speak on behalf of the Prime Minister and with his full confidence. In making your decision, you made clear that I no longer credibly enjoy that confidence.”
A long-lasting legacy of debate
Trudeau’s legacy is complex and punctuated with question marks. Of course, his government did create positive change as well.
Trudeau’s progressive social policy included strong advocacy for the rights of minorities and marginalized communities as well as reproductive rights.
Carbon pricing, while also a heavily debated topic, is considered a transformative environmental policy.
More affordable childcare, such as $10-a-day facilities, can substantially help new parents, who also receive higher child-care cheques under the Liberals’ Canada Child Benefit (Global News).
However, many are critical of these feats in the grand scheme of the major struggles Canadians face in the thick of such economic strife.
What is your take on Trudeau’s resignation? Which direction do you think Canada will take?
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Image source: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick
