Canada: Trudeau resigns as PM

Written by David Fletcher 09 Jan 2025
Canada: Trudeau resigns as PM

Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as prime minister after nearly a decade in office, citing internal party disputes and his inability to remain the ‘best option’ for the next election. His decision follows the abrupt resignation in December of his deputy prime minister, who opposed his handling of Donald Trump’s proposed trade tariffs. Trudeau, once celebrated as a poster-boy for liberal politics, saw his popularity erode due to scandals, housing inflation, and divisive immigration policies. Notable achievements during his tenure include legalising recreational cannabis, passing assisted dying laws, and renegotiating the trade agreement with the USA. However, a blackface scandal in 2019 damaged his image, and subsequent elections saw his government reduced to a minority. Most recently, Trudeau admitted missteps in immigration targets and faced criticism for his permissive euthanasia policies. His declining approval proved insurmountable, marking a dramatic end to his political journey.

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