Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces sudden resignation

In a shocking turn of events, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as premier and Liberal Party leader. The shocking move by Trudeau now begs the question of who will replace him and what it means for the future of the Liberal Party, particularly with a federal election looming.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau steps down from his role after a decade of services

Since 2015, Trudeau has dominated Canadian politics, leading the Liberals back to power from years of political obscurity. That, however, came to a close as mounting pressure finally came full circle. Trudeau confirmed he would stay in office until the party selects a new leader.

In a televised address, Trudeau had told Canadians he had asked the governor general to prorogue Parliament—a step that technically puts a suspension on the Parliamentary work without dissolving it. It was suspended until March 24th, days from an important March 28 supply vote considered essential in operations by the federal government.

The process to replace Trudeau will be “robust and national,” the Liberal Party is expected to hold a leadership convention in the coming months. Other potential candidates include former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, Transport Minister Anita Anand, and former central banker Mark Carney.

Trudeau sounded optimistic about the race for the leadership, saying, “I am excited to see the process unfold in the months ahead.”

Meanwhile, if elections were held today, the results of recent polls would place the opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, with a big lead.

Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of an era in Canadian politics, something that leaves liberals facing critical challenges in rebuilding their support base to prepare for a competitive election.