After nearly a decade in office, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation. Here’s his rise and fall. While not entirely unexpected due to recent challenges in his political career, the departure of Canada’s once-celebrated “golden boy” has left many questioning what led to his downfall. His resignation, announced on Monday, marks the beginning of a leadership transition that will shape the country’s future.
Trudeau shared his decision in Ottawa, acknowledging that although he is a “fighter,” he recognized he might not be the right person to lead the country into the upcoming October elections. He expressed hope that his resignation would help reduce political polarization and improve parliamentary functioning. “I don’t back down easily from a fight, especially an important one for our party and the country. But I do this job because the interests of Canadians and the well-being of democracy are paramount,” he stated.
Trudeau urged Canadians to support the new Liberal Party leader and shared that he had informed his children about his decision, which was made after careful reflection over the holidays.
Trudeau’s political career began with promise, following in the footsteps of his father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. He rose to power with a sweeping victory in 2015, becoming the second-youngest prime minister in Canadian history. His tenure included notable achievements like legalizing cannabis, enacting voluntary assisted dying laws, negotiating trade deals with the US, addressing climate change, and tackling historical injustices against Indigenous communities.
However, over time, Trudeau’s popularity diminished. His approval ratings plummeted as Canadians grew dissatisfied with his handling of immigration, housing prices, and inflation. His leadership faced major setbacks, particularly after Donald Trump won the 47th US presidential election and threatened 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, creating economic uncertainty. The US President’s proposal for Canada to merge with the US further complicated matters.
In 2021, Trudeau called a snap election during the fourth wave of COVID-19, hoping to secure a stronger mandate based on his pandemic response. However, he failed to gain a majority. His permissive voluntary assisted dying laws also faced global criticism, with opponents arguing that better government support could alleviate suffering.
Trudeau’s image was further tarnished by the blackface scandal, though he managed a narrow victory in 2019. His fortunes continued to decline, exacerbated by tensions with Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, whose resignation added to the pressure.
On a personal level, Trudeau announced his separation from his wife, Sophie Grégoire, in August 2023, adding to his challenges.
Amid mounting political pressure, no-confidence votes, and calls for his resignation, Trudeau’s departure sets the stage for a leadership race as the federal election approaches, expected before October 20.
