Justin Trudeau Resign: What Led the Canadian Prime Minister to Step Down?

Justin Trudeau Resign: The Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is likely to quit by the end of the week, having spent nine years in office when it experienced successes and scandals. The Liberal party sources close to the party reveal that such a resignation may become public as early as Monday before the party convenes for a crucial meeting on Tuesday. This decision comes after months of growing political challenges, both at home and abroad, that have eroded his popularity and placed immense pressure on his leadership. One of the most significant blows to Trudeau’s leadership has been the escalating diplomatic row with India.

Diplomatic Row with India: A Major Turning Point

The controversy started in September 2023 when Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia. India dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated, accusing Trudeau of pandering to Khalistani voters in Canada. Fallout resulted in the expelling of both countries’ diplomats and strained bilateral ties, with further criticism of the way Trudeau managed the crisis. Further pressure on the economic and political fronts came in the form of the United States. President-elect Donald Trump recently threatened a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, citing concerns about migration and fentanyl trafficking at the U.S.-Canada border.

In a bid to mitigate the situation, Trudeau traveled to Mar-a-Lago for talks with Trump, but the meeting reportedly backfired. Trump mocked Justin Trudeau, calling him the “Governor of Canada” and suggesting Canada become the “51st state of America.” Justin Trudeau’s perceived lack of resolve in dealing with Trump drew backlash from his Cabinet and the public, intensifying calls for stronger leadership.

Another factor in the potential resignation of Trudeau is internal dissent within his own government. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland recently resigned from her position, citing concerns over the direction of the Liberal Party and the need to address Trump’s tariff threats with greater urgency. Her resignation was seen as a direct challenge to Trudeau’s leadership.

Meanwhile, New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, a key ally, said he would table a no-confidence motion, further indicating that Trudeau’s support among political allies is dwindling. Domestically, Trudeau faces growing criticism from inflation, shortages in housing, and immigration policies. The massive influx of immigration has put enormous pressure on the housing sector of Canada, as rising costs of living have heightened public dissatisfaction. With these combined factors and still fresh in their minds, it has severely bruised the luster of a once shining figure, Trudeau.

Trudeau’s Legacy

When Trudeau took the reins in 2015, his approval ratings were at an all-time high of 63%, reflecting great optimism about his leadership. However, recent polls placed his approval rating at just 28%, now trailing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre by 20 points. This rapid decline in public support has emphasized the challenges faced by Trudeau during the last few years, both regarding domestic stability and complex international relations. It would bring an end to an era in Canadian politics if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were to announce his resignation.

His tenure has been underlined with ambitious progressive policies, such as climate change and gender equality and indigenous rights initiatives, but also contentious decisions and leadership challenges.
The Liberal Party now faces the challenge of choosing a leader who can address pressing issues in the country and public restore trust in government.

The nation will undoubtedly be marked by the impact of Trudeau’s departure, as it closes a chapter of Canadian politics that has been as transformative as it has been divisive.