Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he’s stepping down after nearly a decade in office, marking a new chapter for Canada’s leadership.
The 53-year-old leader, who has been in power since 2015, said on Monday he will remain in his role until the Liberal Party selects a new leader. His decision comes amid growing calls for change and challenges within his party.
“I’ve always been motivated by my love for Canada and my desire to serve Canadians,” Trudeau said warmly at a press conference outside his home in Ottawa. “But Canadians deserve a real choice in the next election, and it’s clear I can’t be the one to carry the Liberal banner forward.”
He added with optimism, “It’s time for a reset. A fresh start for Parliament and for Canadians.”
The announcement follows recent polls showing the Liberal Party losing ground to the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, if Trudeau were to stay at the helm. Trudeau expressed confidence in his party’s ability to move forward with new leadership, saying the process to find a successor would be “robust and competitive.”
Parliament, originally set to resume in late January, will take a brief pause until March 24 to allow time for the leadership race.
Trudeau acknowledged the challenges of the past few years, including rising costs for food and housing, but he focused on the opportunity for renewal. “It’s time to lower the temperature, bring fresh energy to Parliament, and guide Canadians through these complex times,” he said.
While he reflected on his time as a “fighter” for Canadian values, Trudeau’s announcement felt less like a farewell and more like an invitation for the next generation to step up. “Canada’s best days are still ahead,” he said with a smile, looking forward to what’s next for the country.
