Ottawa (Agencies): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on January 6, 2025, marking the end of his nine-year tenure. Trudeau will remain in office until the ruling Liberal Party selects a new leader by March 24.
Citing internal party divisions and waning public support, Trudeau acknowledged that his continued leadership could heighten political polarization. His decision comes amid mounting challenges, including policy disputes within his party and a resurgent Conservative opposition.
Trudeau’s time in office was defined by ambitious immigration reforms and progressive social policies. However, his leadership also faced significant controversies, including unfulfilled electoral reform promises and the fallout from the blackface scandal.
The race to replace Trudeau is already underway, with former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and economic adviser Mark Carney emerging as frontrunners. Freeland resigned from her post last month following disagreements over economic policy.
Trudeau’s resignation precedes a general election expected later this year, where the opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, currently holds a lead in national polls. The new Liberal leader will face the challenge of reversing the party’s sliding popularity ahead of the vote.
As Trudeau steps down, he leaves behind a legacy of both transformative policies and turbulent controversies, shaping Canada’s political landscape for nearly a decade.