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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly considering announcing his resignation, though he has not yet made a final decision. A source familiar with Trudeau’s thinking shared this information on Sunday, following reports from the Globe and Mail. According to this source, Trudeau may announce his intention to step down as early as Monday, after leading Canada’s ruling Liberal Party for nine years.
This potential resignation would come at a crucial time, as polls show that the Liberal Party is facing a significant defeat in an election expected to be held by late October, with the Conservative Party, the official opposition, poised to take the lead. Trudeau’s departure would leave the Liberals without a permanent leader just as the country heads toward a pivotal election.
Trudeau’s Decision to Step Down
The source indicated that although Trudeau’s resignation announcement is highly anticipated, the exact timing is still unclear. It is believed that Trudeau may announce his decision to step down before Wednesday, when an emergency meeting of Liberal legislators is scheduled. The growing discontent within the Liberal Party is apparent, with an increasing number of Liberal Members of Parliament (MPs) urging the Prime Minister to resign, primarily in response to concerning poll numbers and the party’s diminishing popularity.
At the time of the report, the Prime Minister's office had not responded to media inquiries, and Trudeau’s published schedule for Monday showed that he would participate virtually in a meeting focused on Canada-U.S. relations. Despite the lack of official comment, the political pressure on Trudeau to resign has been mounting, especially as the Liberal Party struggles with dwindling support.
The Growing Call for Resignation
Trudeau, who became the Liberal leader in 2013, led his party out of a difficult period when it was relegated to third place in the Canadian House of Commons. His leadership played a key role in transforming the party’s fortunes, bringing the Liberals back to power in 2015 with promises of "sunny ways" and a progressive agenda that championed women’s rights and tackling climate change. However, in recent years, the challenges of governing have taken a toll on Trudeau’s political career.
Despite his previous successes, the realities of leadership have proven increasingly difficult for Trudeau. The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound impact on his government, forcing him to focus much of his time and energy on managing the crisis. The Canadian government spent heavily to protect consumers and businesses, resulting in record budget deficits. However, this spending did little to alleviate public frustration as prices soared and inflation put pressure on households.
Additionally, Trudeau faced a significant policy challenge with Canada’s immigration system, which saw a large influx of arrivals. This, coupled with a housing market already under strain, has exacerbated public dissatisfaction. These factors have led to growing calls for change within the Liberal Party, with many MPs now publicly urging Trudeau to step aside.
Speculation on Interim Leadership
If Trudeau does resign, it is likely that calls for a quick election will follow, with the aim of stabilizing the government and positioning it to effectively navigate the political landscape under President-elect Donald Trump in the United States. Some reports suggest that Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been considered as a potential interim leader if Trudeau steps down. However, if LeBlanc has plans to run for the permanent leadership position, this option would become unfeasible.
Trudeau’s Struggles with Internal and External Challenges
Trudeau’s position has been further weakened by internal conflicts within his government. One notable example occurred in December, when Trudeau attempted to demote Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, one of his closest cabinet allies. Freeland’s opposition to Trudeau’s increased spending proposals led to her resignation. In her letter of resignation, Freeland accused Trudeau of engaging in "political gimmicks" rather than focusing on the country’s needs. This incident significantly damaged Trudeau’s relationship with some members of his own party, further intensifying calls for his resignation.
Trudeau’s leadership, which once brought hope for progressive change, now faces considerable criticism. Although he was lauded for his handling of the early days of the pandemic, his government’s handling of economic issues, immigration policy, and inflation have eroded public support. As the country moves closer to an election, the question of Trudeau’s future as Prime Minister hangs in the balance, and his decision to step down or remain in office will shape the political landscape in Canada for years to come.
