PM Justin Trudeau Resigns, Will There Be An Election Now?

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PM Justin Trudeau Resigns, Will There Be An Election Now?

January 6, 2025
9:25 pm

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Last Updated On 6 January 2025, 10:58 AM EST (Toronto Time)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to officially announce his resignation as Liberal Party leader in a press conference today.

Furthermore, he is also reportedly expressing his intention to remain Prime Minister of Canada until the party chooses a new leader.

You can watch the full event as it happens below. Press conference to begin shortly.

While official announcements are yet to be made, sources indicate that Trudeau’s resignation could come early, ahead of a critical Liberal caucus meeting on Wednesday.

Trudeau’s decision to step down could stem from several converging factors:

1. Caucus Revolt

Internal pressure from Liberal MPs has reached a boiling point.

Reports suggest that the Atlantic, Ontario, and Quebec caucuses—representing 131 out of the party’s 153 seats in the House of Commons—have largely withdrawn their support for Trudeau.

His leadership has become a divisive issue within the party, with many MPs urging him to make way for a new leader.

2. Declining Public Opinion

The Liberal Party’s popularity has taken a nosedive. Recent polls reveal a staggering 26-point lead for the Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre.

An Angus Reid survey showed that Liberal support under Trudeau had dwindled to just 13% of voters, although this figure rises to 21% with a new leader at the helm.

3. Chrystia Freeland’s Resignation

The abrupt resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on December 16 intensified calls for Trudeau’s departure.

Freeland’s departure was attributed to disagreements over policies such as the GST holiday and $250 rebates, as well as his handling of potential trade threats from a Donald Trump-led U.S. administration.

4. Internal and External Challenges

Trudeau’s leadership has faced mounting challenges, including managing relations with the U.S. amid potential tariffs and addressing the economic fallout from domestic spending policies.

His ability to navigate these challenges has been called into question, both within his party and by the public.

The Liberal Party’s national executive faces critical decisions regarding Justin’s succession. Here are the key scenarios:

1. Interim Leadership

An interim leader could be appointed based on the national caucus’ recommendation.

Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc is reportedly a candidate for this role, though his potential candidacy for permanent leadership complicates the matter.

Alberta Liberal MP George Chahal has also called for an interim leader.

2. Leadership Contest

The party could opt for a shortened leadership contest, typically requiring a minimum of four months per party constitution.

However, experts argue that a robust leadership race needs adequate time to ensure legitimacy and strong participation.

During this period, Trudeau might stay on as Prime Minister.

3. Prorogation of Parliament

If a leadership contest is pursued, Trudeau may request the Governor-General to prorogue Parliament.

Prorogue meaning discontinue a session of a parliament without dissolving it.

This move, however, isn’t guaranteed and would face significant scrutiny, especially with a March 28 supply vote looming.

Speculation about JT’s successor has intensified. Possible candidates include:

Mélanie Joly: The Foreign Affairs Minister has emerged as a frontrunner, known for her diplomatic acumen and strong support within the party.
Dominic LeBlanc: A long-time ally of Trudeau and current Finance Minister, LeBlanc’s leadership aspirations could position him as a natural successor.
Chrystia Freeland: Despite her recent resignation, Freeland remains a strong contender, with polls suggesting she could boost Liberal support to 21%.
François-Philippe Champagne: As Innovation Minister, Champagne’s leadership could appeal to centrist voters.
Anita Anand: The Transport Minister is another potential candidate, known for her effective leadership during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
Mark Carney: The former central banker and economic heavyweight is often cited as a strong outside contender.
Christy Clark: The former B.C. Premier’s name has also been floated, though her candidacy would be unconventional.

Trudeau’s resignation doesn’t automatically trigger a federal election. Here are the possible outcomes.

If an interim leader is chosen from the current Liberal caucus, they would immediately become Prime Minister.

This scenario doesn’t necessitate an election unless Parliament passes a no-confidence vote.

Should the Liberals choose a leader who isn’t a sitting MP, a by-election would be required to secure their seat in Parliament.

However, given the Liberals’ waning popularity, finding a “safe seat” for such a maneuver could prove challenging and is most unlikely.

For an election to occur, opposition parties would need to unite to pass a no-confidence vote in Parliament.

Given the Conservatives’ strong polling numbers, they might be eager to force an early election.

Justin Trudeau’s potential resignation marks the end of an era for the Liberal Party.

Having led the country since 2015, Trudeau’s tenure has been characterized by progressive policies, international acclaim, and significant controversies.

His departure leaves the Liberals at a crossroads, facing an uphill battle to regain public trust and counter the Conservative surge.

The next few weeks will be pivotal in determining the party’s future.

Will a new leader revitalize the Liberals, or will Trudeau’s departure signal the beginning of a Conservative dominance in Canadian politics? Only time will tell.

Stay Updated: Follow our coverage for the latest developments on Justin Trudeau’s resignation, the Liberal leadership race, and what it means for Canada’s political future.

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon

Gagandeep Kaur Sekhon moved to Canada in 2010 on a study visa. She navigated through the ups and downs of her student life and gained her permanent residency in 2015. Today, she is a proud Canadian citizen residing in Calgary, Alberta. She is mother of 2 beautiful daughters and making her difference through writing and guidance at INC – Immigration News Canada.