Justin Trudeau, after serving as Prime Minister of Canada for nearly nine years, announced his resignation on Monday. Speaking outside his Rideau Cottage residence in Ottawa, Trudeau expressed that he can no longer be the best option for the next election due to ongoing “internal battles” within the Liberal Party (source: BBC). He stated, “This country deserves a real choice in the next election.”

Trudeau, who came to power in 2015 following a decade dominated by Conservative governance, initially garnered praise for leading Canada back to its progressive roots. His administration has since faced mounting criticism as public discontent grew over rising costs of living, particularly food and housing (source: India Times). Reflecting on his tenure, Trudeau remarked, “Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I’ve been inspired by the resilience, the generosity, and the determination of Canadians.”

Highlighting his achievements, Trudeau mentioned efforts to strengthen the middle class, support during the pandemic, and advocate for climate change initiatives. He underlined the importance of continuing these efforts by ensuring a smooth transition to new leadership as he advised the governor general of Canada that a new parliamentary session was necessary (source: BBC). His statement continued, “A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into that next election.”

As he prepares to step down, Trudeau has requested a robust and competitive leadership selection process within the party, paving the way for a successor. He affirmed, “We were elected for the third time in 2021 to strengthen the economy post-pandemic and advance Canada’s interests in a complicated world.” With a history marked by both challenges and accomplishments, Trudeau's resignation signals a pivotal moment in Canadian politics as the Liberal Party seeks new directions in leadership ahead of future elections.