Mudassir Rizwan

On January 6, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a startling announcement—he would resign from his position as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party, effective upon the election of a new party leader. This move marked the end of a political era that began with his rise to power in 2015. Over the past decade, Trudeau has been one of the most prominent and, at times, controversial leaders in Canadian history. His resignation came amidst a combination of internal and external pressures, including Canada’s faltering economy, rising inflation, housing crises, deteriorating international relations, and personal struggles, including his high-profile divorce after 18 years of marriage.

Trudeau’s political legacy has always been intertwined with his father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, a former Prime Minister who shaped much of modern Canadian politics. Justin Trudeau, following in his father’s footsteps, assumed leadership of the Liberal Party and became Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister in November 2015, following the Liberal Party’s victory in the federal election. His tenure was characterized by a commitment to progressive policies, with significant strides in social welfare, environmental issues, and global leadership. His second term, which began after the October 2019 election, was marked by a minority government, which presented additional challenges in navigating national and international issues.

During his time in office, Trudeau enacted policies that aimed at bolstering the Canadian economy, improving social services, and addressing climate change. He is credited with creating over 1 million jobs, cutting taxes for the middle class, and introducing affordable childcare. In addition, his administration made efforts to tackle climate change by committing to the Paris Agreement, introducing a national carbon pricing system, and investing in clean energy. Trudeau’s focus on social issues saw the legalization of recreational cannabis, the advancement of gender equality with a gender-balanced cabinet, and increased efforts at Indigenous reconciliation, including investments to provide clean water to Indigenous communities.

Moreover, Trudeau was lauded for his pandemic response, particularly the introduction of programs such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which provided financial aid to millions of Canadians during the COVID-19 crisis. Trudeau’s policies also aimed to establish a national pharmacare program, although this initiative faced obstacles and was not fully realized during his tenure. His foreign policy strategy was centered on portraying Canada as an inclusive, multicultural society, and strengthening international partnerships. This was reflected in his renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), resulting in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), and his acceptance of tens of thousands of refugees, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to humanitarianism.

However, Trudeau’s leadership was far from unblemished. His tenure was marred by several high-profile ethical controversies, including the SNC-Lavalin scandal, which revolved around allegations of political interference in the prosecution of a major corporation, and the WE Charity scandal, where accusations of improper ties between his family and the charity surfaced. These controversies eroded public trust in his leadership, and his credibility was further damaged by violations of conflict-of-interest rules.

On environmental issues, despite his commitments to tackle climate change, Trudeau’s approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline and his inability to meet Canada’s emissions targets drew the ire of environmentalists and climate activists, undermining his earlier promises. His approach to Indigenous reconciliation also faced criticism, with many communities still lacking basic services like clean water. On the economic front, rising housing costs, escalating inflation, and a mounting national debt led many to question Trudeau’s ability to manage Canada’s economy effectively.

The COVID-19 pandemic, while prompting some commendable responses from the Trudeau government, also highlighted inefficiencies, particularly in the early stages of vaccine distribution. In addition, the CERB program, while beneficial for many, was marred by instances of abuse, with insufficient safeguards to prevent fraud. These failures were compounded by rising costs of living, which fueled dissatisfaction with his government’s economic management.

Trudeau’s foreign policy also faced significant challenges. Relations with China became increasingly strained during his time in office, particularly following the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou in 2018 and the subsequent detention of two Canadian citizens in China. His relationship with the United States was similarly turbulent, especially under the leadership of Donald Trump. While the two leaders were able to work together on renegotiating NAFTA, their relationship was marked by public clashes and policy differences. Trudeau’s commitment to climate action, immigration openness, and trade with allies put him at odds with Trump’s “America First” approach, which prioritized protectionism and border security.

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Trudeau’s foreign relations with India also suffered significant setbacks. Diplomatic tensions reached new heights following his support for Indian farmers’ protests in 2020, which angered the Indian government, as they viewed it as unwarranted interference in their domestic affairs. The situation became even more complicated following the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent Khalistani activist, in Canada. Trudeau accused India’s intelligence agency, RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), of being involved in the assassination, further deepening the diplomatic rift between the two countries.

In addition to his international challenges, Trudeau faced personal struggles that began to take a toll on his public image. In August 2023, he and his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, announced their separation after 18 years of marriage, surprising many Canadians. Despite this, they remained committed to co-parenting their three children and maintaining a positive family dynamic. Nevertheless, the breakup added to the perception of a leader grappling with personal difficulties at a time when his political career was already under intense pressure.

The final blow to Trudeau’s leadership came as internal challenges mounted. His approval ratings had been slipping for months, and the mounting economic issues, combined with a lack of political cohesion within his party, made his position untenable. The Liberal Party, recognizing the need for a new direction, turned its focus to selecting a new leader to rejuvenate the party ahead of the 2025 federal election. Trudeau’s resignation left the political landscape in flux, with the future of the Liberal Party now uncertain as it navigates the post-Trudeau era.

Justin Trudeau’s resignation represents a significant shift in Canada’s political future. His departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens the door for a new chapter in Canadian politics. The Liberal Party’s leadership contest will determine the direction the party takes in the coming years, and the outcome of the 2025 election will shape Canada’s future political trajectory. Trudeau’s legacy, while defined by some notable achievements, will also be remembered for the controversies and challenges that plagued his tenure. His resignation offers him an opportunity to rebuild his reputation and potentially return to public life in a different capacity, but it will take significant effort to overcome the challenges that led to his political downfall.