Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned as the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in a statement made at Rideau Cottage on Monday morning.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide competitive process,” said Trudeau. “Last night, I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process. This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I am having to fight internal battles I cannot be the best option in that election.”
The prime minister’s resignation comes at a bad time for the Liberals, with polls showing that the party would lose to Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives. The next federal election must take place on or before Oct. 20, 2025.
Trudeau has faced increased scrutiny ever since former finance minister Chrystia Freeland resigned in December, as she wrote a letter calling out Trudeau’s “political gimmicks” in the face of Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Calls for Trudeau to resign have grown among MPs of all parties, including the Liberals.
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Live3 updates
- Mon, January 6, 2025 at 9:37 p.m. IST
Breaking: Justin Trudeau announces resignation as Liberal leader
Justin Trudeau has decided to step down as the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, after making a statement at Rideau Cottage on Monday morning.
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- Mon, January 6, 2025 at 9:10 p.m. IST
If Trudeau resigns as Liberal leader what happens?
It remains unclear if Justin Trudeau will stay on as prime minister, even after stepping down as the Liberal leader. He could wait until a new party leader is selected.
According to The Globe, the Liberal Party national executive plans to meet next week, likely after Wednesday’s national caucus session, where they will make their leadership decision.
The Liberals can either appoint an interim leader or hold a shortened leadership contest. In the event that they choose the latter, it wold require the Governor-General Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament, which isn’t a guarantee.
- Mon, January 6, 2025 at 8:20 p.m. IST
Justin Trudeau to speak at Rideau Cottage on Monday morning, expected to resign
The prime minister will hold an announcement at 10:45 a.m. ET at Rideau Cottage on Monday morning.
CBC and the Toronto Star are reporting that Justin Trudeau will use this opportunity to formally announce his resignation.
Yahoo News Canada will have the live feed as part of this article, so be sure to check back in.
Justin Trudeau will make an announcement at 10:45am this morning at his residence at Rideau Cottage, the press gallery was just told
— Brian Platt (@btaplatt) January 6, 2025