Justin Trudeau, Canada’s 23rd prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party for over a decade, announced his resignation on Monday, ending nearly nine years in office. In a packed Ottawa press conference, the 53-year-old reflected on his achievements, challenges, and a regret about electoral reform.

“If I have one regret as we approach this election, it’s that we couldn’t change how Canadians elect their governments,” he admitted, referencing his unfulfilled promise of electoral reform.

Trudeau’s resignation comes amid plummeting Liberal poll numbers, internal divisions, and a surging Conservative opposition led by Pierre Poilievre. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election,” Trudeau said. “If I’m battling internally, I can’t be the best option to lead.”

Rising to power in 2015, Trudeau promised “sunny ways,” championing progressive causes like climate action and gender equality. His tenure included landmark achievements such as legalizing cannabis and advancing LGBTQ+ rights, but his leadership has recently been marred by economic challenges, including inflation and housing costs, as well as waning approval ratings.

The departure follows the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland last year, who criticized Trudeau’s reliance on “political gimmicks” over long-term solutions. With the Liberals trailing the Conservatives by over 20 points, many Canadians blame Trudeau for rising economic hardships.

Poilievre, a fierce critic of Trudeau’s policies, responded to the announcement with a populist message: “We’ll cap spending, axe taxes, build homes, and put Canada first.”

Trudeau cautioned against Poilievre’s right-wing conservatism, calling it a threat to progress on climate and social equity.

A Liberal leadership race is now underway, with potential candidates including Mark Carney, Mélanie Joly, and Freeland. Trudeau will remain in office until March 24, giving the party time to select a successor before Parliament resumes.

Justin Trudeau, Canada’s 23rd prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party for over a decade, announced his resignation on Monday, ending nearly nine years in office. In a packed Ottawa press conference, the 53-year-old reflected on his achievements, challenges, and a regret about electoral reform.

“If I have one regret as we approach this election, it’s that we couldn’t change how Canadians elect their governments,” he admitted, referencing his unfulfilled promise of electoral reform.

Trudeau’s resignation comes amid plummeting Liberal poll numbers, internal divisions, and a surging Conservative opposition led by Pierre Poilievre. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election,” Trudeau said. “If I’m battling internally, I can’t be the best option to lead.”

Rising to power in 2015, Trudeau promised “sunny ways,” championing progressive causes like climate action and gender equality. His tenure included landmark achievements such as legalizing cannabis and advancing LGBTQ+ rights, but his leadership has recently been marred by economic challenges, including inflation and housing costs, as well as waning approval ratings.

The departure follows the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland last year, who criticized Trudeau’s reliance on “political gimmicks” over long-term solutions. With the Liberals trailing the Conservatives by over 20 points, many Canadians blame Trudeau for rising economic hardships.

Poilievre, a fierce critic of Trudeau’s policies, responded to the announcement with a populist message: “We’ll cap spending, axe taxes, build homes, and put Canada first.”

Trudeau cautioned against Poilievre’s right-wing conservatism, calling it a threat to progress on climate and social equity.

A Liberal leadership race is now underway, with potential candidates including Mark Carney, Mélanie Joly, and Freeland. Trudeau will remain in office until March 24, giving the party time to select a successor before Parliament resumes.