Why Trudeau’s Time in Office Has Reached Its End
For months, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced a recurring question: “Will you step down?”
Despite his resolve to remain leader of the Liberal Party, frustrations among voters and the rise of a strong political rival created insurmountable pressure. Even as he described himself as a “fighter,” Trudeau ultimately could not withstand mounting calls from within his party to resign.
On Monday, speaking outside Rideau Cottage, his official residence, Trudeau announced his decision to step down, stating:
“This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
Trudeau will remain prime minister until the Liberal Party selects a new leader, with the leadership contest timeline yet to be determined. To allow this transition, he has requested parliament be prorogued until March 24.
A Decade of Triumph and Controversy
Trudeau’s rise to power in 2015 was transformative. His youthful charisma and progressive vision propelled the Liberals from near-political obscurity to a parliamentary majority—an unprecedented achievement in Canadian politics.
Over nearly a decade in office, Trudeau became a defining figure in global politics, outlasting contemporaries such as Barack Obama, Angela Merkel, and Shinzo Abe. At 53, he remains the longest-serving G7 leader.
While Trudeau achieved significant milestones—such as advancing Indigenous reconciliation, steering Canada through the COVID-19 pandemic, renegotiating trade agreements, and reducing child poverty—his leadership became increasingly divisive. Ethics scandals, including the SNC-Lavalin affair and questionable family ties to a government program, tarnished his image.
The Liberals’ electoral dominance waned, starting with their 2019 reduction to minority government status, followed by a failed snap election in 2021. Rising inflation, housing shortages, and unmet immigration targets added to voter dissatisfaction.
Internal and Electoral Pressures
Recent months have seen Trudeau struggle to regain public confidence. A series of defeats in Liberal strongholds during by-elections triggered unrest within the party. Meanwhile, opposition leader Pierre Poilievre surged in the polls, capitalizing on Trudeau’s declining approval.
Andrew Perez, a Liberal strategist, noted, “The Trudeau brand was key to their success, but it became a liability.”
Even Trudeau’s attempts to “reset” through cabinet shuffles and tax reforms failed to reverse the trend. By late 2024, the Liberals had reached record-low approval ratings.
The resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in December—citing frustration with Trudeau’s handling of key challenges—marked the tipping point. With internal dissent mounting, Trudeau acknowledged it was time to step aside.
What Lies Ahead?
Trudeau’s resignation opens a new chapter for Canadian politics. The Liberal Party faces the challenge of distancing itself from his legacy while rebuilding its platform and appeal. Meanwhile, Poilievre’s Conservatives appear poised to capitalize on this transition, with polls suggesting a significant advantage if an election were held today.
The coming months will test the Liberal Party’s resilience and its ability to reconnect with voters amid political and economic uncertainty. Trudeau’s departure marks the end of an era—but the question now is whether his party can adapt to a post-Trudeau landscape.
