OTTAWA – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a press conference at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, where he announced his resignation from the position of Prime Minister, paving the way for the election of a new leader.
Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party for 11 years and served as Prime Minister for 9 years, is currently facing multiple crises, ranging from tax threats due to the rise of Donald Trump to the resignation of key allies. In his statement, Trudeau reflected on his tenure, saying, “Every morning I wake up as Prime Minister, I am inspired by the generosity and determination of Canadians. I have fought for this country, for you.”
He highlighted his support for Ukraine and his policies during the COVID-19 pandemic as some of the greatest successes of his time in office since 2015. “We came together to support each other during the pandemic… to stand by Ukraine and our democracy, to fight climate change, and to prepare our economy for the future,” he added. “We are in a critical time in the world.”
Trudeau expressed one regret, specifically regarding the country’s electoral process, stating, “If there is one regret, especially as we approach this election—it is that I wish we could change how elections are conducted in this country so that people could choose second or third options on the same ballot.”
Trudeau also announced that Parliament would be suspended until March 24, to allow time for the selection of a new leader. “Parliament has been at a standstill for several months after the longest period of a minority government in Canadian history. This morning, I recommended to the Governor General that we open a new session of Parliament. She approved this request, and Parliament will be suspended until March 24. I intend to resign as party leader and Prime Minister once the party elects a new leader,” Trudeau, 53, said during the Monday press conference in Ottawa.
He will continue to serve as acting Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen.
