In a shocking turn of events, Justin Trudeau is stepping down as the prime minister of Canada. The statement confirms the end of the almost decade-long rule of the Liberal Party leader as prime minister, which began in 2015. Trudeau said he did so for an opportunity to focus on the next stage of his life and more so for Canada to move forward. Since coming into power as prime minister in 2015, Trudeau introduced what he described as “sunny ways” to the art of politics.
His government immediately made headlines for a progressive agenda that included cannabis legalization, action on gender equality, and climate change. He also made sure that reconciliation with Indigenous peoples would be a top priority, although the pace has been uneven for some critics. Notwithstanding early popularity, a series of controversies has tainted Trudeau’s time in power.
In 2019, he was found to have breached conflict-of-interest rules over the SNC-Lavalin scandal, where he sought to persuade authorities to drop corruption charges against a Quebec construction company. The public was alienated further when images surfaced of Trudeau in blackface and brownface at various earlier gatherings. Trudeau was also a divisive leader during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Though some praised his government’s vaccination campaign and financial support programs, others criticized the extensive lockdowns and harsh rules. Critics accused him of heightening national divisions in the 2022 Freedom Convoy protests against COVID-19 restrictions. In his resignation speech, Trudeau thanked Canadians for their confidence and support. “It has been the greatest honor of my life to lead this country,” he said, adding that he thought Canada had a bright future. Trudeau emphasized how much he is committed to helping in further developing Canada, but he did not detail what his next steps will be. The Liberal Party now needs to select a new leader who will put the organization on the right track.
According to analysts, Trudeau’s departure may cause a political shift that could lead to a federal election. The announcement has elicited mixed reactions: some feel that he needed to go a long time ago, while others celebrate his successes. Whatever the division in opinions, Trudeau’s almost decade-long rule shaped Canadian politics immensely, and his departure closes a chapter in the history of the country.
