Why Did Justin Trudeau Resign? What Lies Ahead for Canada?

Why did Justin Trudeau Resign? and What Lies Ahead for Canada?

Prof. Augustine Veliath

Author, Communication Strategist and Mentor

Munnar Institute of AI(MI*AI)

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Introduction

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The resignation of Justin Trudeau as Canada’s Prime Minister marks the end of an era in Canadian politics. After nearly nine years in office, Trudeau announced his decision to step down amidst a backdrop of mounting internal pressures, dwindling public support, and external challenges. His departure not only signifies a turning point for the Liberal Party but also sets the stage for a political reshuffle as Canada braces for its next federal election.

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In this article, we will explore the key reasons behind Trudeau’s resignation, the challenges he faced during his tenure, and what this means for Canada’s political landscape.

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The Trudeau Legacy: A Decade of Leadership

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Justin Trudeau, the eldest son of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, swept to power in 2015, promising a progressive vision for Canada under the banner of "Sunny Ways." His charismatic leadership brought the Liberal Party back from obscurity, transforming it from a third-place party to a majority government. Over his tenure, Trudeau implemented several landmark policies, such as:

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- Legalizing cannabis for recreational use.

- Introducing a national carbon tax to combat climate change.

- Launching the Canada Child Benefit, which helped lift families out of poverty.

- Promoting gender equality by forming a 50% female cabinet.

- Advancing Indigenous reconciliation efforts.

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Despite these achievements, Trudeau's time in office was also marred by controversies and challenges, which ultimately eroded his support.

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Key Reasons Behind Trudeau’s Resignation

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1. Internal Party Pressure

One of the most significant factors leading to Trudeau’s resignation was growing dissent within the Liberal Party. The abrupt resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in December 2024 served as a major blow to Trudeau’s leadership. Freeland publicly criticized Trudeau's handling of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's threats to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, calling his response inadequate. Her departure emboldened other party members to openly question Trudeau’s leadership, eventually forcing him to concede.

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Trudeau himself acknowledged the internal challenges, stating, "If I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in the next election"

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2. Declining Approval Ratings

Trudeau's popularity among Canadians had been on a steady decline, with approval ratings dropping to a mere 22% by late 2024. This was the lowest level of support recorded during his tenure. Rising inflation, skyrocketing housing prices, and the high cost of living contributed to public dissatisfaction. Many Canadians felt that Trudeau’s government had failed to adequately address these pressing economic concerns

The Liberal Party, whose fortunes were closely tied to Trudeau’s approval, suffered in the polls. Analysts warned that if a federal election were held, the Liberals would face a significant defeat.

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?3. Threat of a Non-Confidence Vote

Adding to Trudeau’s woes was the looming threat of a non-confidence vote in Parliament. Opposition parties, including the Conservatives and the New Democratic Party (NDP), were prepared to challenge his government. A non-confidence vote would have likely triggered an early election, which polls suggested the Liberals were ill-equipped to win [[3]]

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Legacy of Scandals

While Trudeau’s leadership saw progressive reforms, his tenure was also tainted by a series of scandals. Early in his career, the SNC-Lavalin affair revealed ethical lapses in his handling of a corruption inquiry. Additionally, Trudeau faced criticism for accepting luxury trips and for past incidents of wearing brownface and blackface, which resurfaced during his time in office. These controversies damaged his public image and painted him as a divisive leader

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5. Economic Challenges

Canada’s economic landscape during Trudeau’s tenure posed significant challenges. Rising inflation, escalating housing prices, and strained public services created widespread frustration. While Trudeau introduced measures like tax benefits and a national housing strategy, many Canadians felt these efforts fell short of addressing their daily struggles. Economic mismanagement became a key criticism, further contributing to his declining popularity.

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?6. Desire for a Fresh Start

In his resignation speech, Trudeau emphasized the need for change within the Liberal Party. He stated that Canada deserved a "real choice" in the next election and acknowledged that new leadership was necessary to reinvigorate the party. His decision to step aside reflects an understanding that his continued leadership could hinder the party’s chances in the upcoming election.

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?The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Canada?

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. Liberal Party Leadership Race

Trudeau’s resignation has triggered a race to select the next leader of the Liberal Party. Potential candidates include:

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- Chrystia Freeland: Former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, seen as a credible alternative.

- Mark Carney: Former Bank of Canada Governor, offering economic expertise.

- Fran?ois-Philippe Champagne: Current Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.

- Melanie Joly: Minister of Foreign Affairs and a staunch Trudeau ally [[1]]

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The challenge for the Liberals will be to distance themselves from Trudeau’s legacy while presenting a fresh vision to Canadians.

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?2. Rise of the Conservatives

The Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, has gained significant traction in recent months. Poilievre, known for his sharp rhetoric and populist appeal, has capitalized on Trudeau’s missteps. Polls suggest that the Conservatives would win a federal election if held today, signaling a potential shift in Canada’s political landscape

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?3. Impact of U.S. Relations

Trudeau’s resignation comes at a time of heightened tensions with the United States. President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods and his calls for Canada to become the “51st state” have added to the uncertainty. The next Liberal leader will need to navigate these challenges while maintaining Canada’s economic and political independence [[1]](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/1/6/why-has-justin-trudeau-resigned-and-whats-next-for-canada).

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?Conclusion

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Justin Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of a transformative yet tumultuous chapter in Canadian politics. While his tenure brought progressive reforms, it was also fraught with controversies and challenges that ultimately led to his departure. The Liberal Party now faces the daunting task of regrouping under new leadership as Canada approaches a critical federal election. Meanwhile, opposition parties, particularly the Conservatives, are poised to capitalize on Trudeau’s exit, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic shift in Canada’s political future.

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For Canada, this moment represents both an end and a beginning — an opportunity to reflect on the past and chart a new course for the years ahead.

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#JustinTrudeau #CanadaPolitics #TrudeauResignation #CanadianPrimeMinister #LiberalParty #CanadaElection2025 #ChrystiaFreeland #PierrePoilievre #CanadaEconomy #PoliticalLeadership #CanadaNews #TrudeauEra #LiberalLeadershipRace #CanadaConservatives #TrudeauLegacy ?#UPSC #IAS #CurrentAffairs #UPSCAspirants #UPSCPreparation #IASAspirant #UPSCMotivation #DailyCurrentAffairs #CivilServices #UPSC2025.

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### Meta Description:

Justin Trudeau resigns as Canada’s Prime Minister after nine years. Discover the reasons behind his decision, the challenges he faced, and what lies ahead for Canada’s political future.

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