Canadian PM Trudeau Likely to Step Down Amid Growing Resignation Calls – Sources

OTTAWA, Jan 5– Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is increasingly likely to announce his intention to step down, although no final decision has been made yet, according to a source familiar with the matter. The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, shared this insight after a media reported that Trudeau could announce his resignation as early as Monday.

Trudeau, who has served as leader of the Liberal Party and prime minister for nine years, is expected to leave the party without a permanent head at a time when polls suggest the Liberals face significant losses to the opposition Conservatives in the next federal election, required by late October.

While the exact timing of Trudeau’s announcement remains unclear, sources suggested it may happen before an emergency meeting of Liberal legislators scheduled for Wednesday. Increasing numbers of Liberal MPs, concerned about poor polling results and recent electoral setbacks, have publicly called for Trudeau to step aside.

The Prime Minister’s Office has not yet commented on the reports, and Trudeau’s official schedule for Monday includes a virtual participation in a cabinet committee meeting on Canada-U.S. relations.

It is uncertain whether Trudeau plans to resign immediately or continue serving as prime minister until a new Liberal leader is chosen, according to the media

Mounting Pressure to Resign
Trudeau first became Liberal leader in 2013, reviving a struggling party that had fallen to third place in the House of Commons. His leadership propelled the Liberals to a resounding victory in 2015, fueled by promises of progressive policies, gender equality, and climate change action.

However, calls for his resignation have grown louder, particularly since December. The turning point came after Trudeau’s unsuccessful attempt to demote Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, a close ally, following disagreements over increased spending proposals. Freeland resigned, accusing Trudeau of prioritizing "political gimmicks" over the nation’s best interests.

Further pressure mounted as polls showed public dissatisfaction over rising costs of living, housing market challenges exacerbated by increased immigration, and the government’s handling of pandemic-related spending, which resulted in record deficits.

Trudeau’s discussions with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc about serving as interim leader and prime minister were reportedly met with skepticism, especially if LeBlanc intends to run for the permanent leadership role.

Potential Fallout
If Trudeau steps down, it could trigger calls for a snap election to establish a stable government, particularly as Canada prepares to navigate relations with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Once seen as a charismatic leader ushering in “sunny ways,” Trudeau’s tenure has faced increasing challenges over the years, reflecting the difficulties of governance and the toll of the pandemic. While his leadership revitalized the Liberals and reshaped Canadian politics, the growing discontent within his party and the electorate may ultimately lead to his departure.