Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party during a press conference scheduled for this morning at Rideau Cottage. A senior government source has confirmed that Trudeau plans to remain as prime minister until a new leader is elected.
The announcement follows a meeting earlier today between Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon, where the prime minister formally requested the prorogation of Parliament until March 24. According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Trudeau will make a public statement at 10:45 a.m. and take questions from the media.
Proroguing Parliament would effectively end the current session and pause all ongoing legislative matters. This move is seen as a strategic decision to give the Liberal Party time to conduct an expedited leadership race, avoiding an imminent confidence vote in the House of Commons. The session was initially set to resume on January 27, with opposition parties, particularly the Conservatives, preparing to push a non-confidence motion. The NDP has signaled their willingness to support such a motion, increasing the likelihood of the government falling.
The decision to prorogue Parliament until late March comes as Trudeau seeks to manage the government during a politically sensitive period, including the start of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. Legal guidance provided to Trudeau’s advisers indicated that March 24 is the latest the government can delay parliamentary proceedings without approving essential spending measures.
Internal Pressure Mounts on Trudeau to Step Down
Trudeau’s resignation announcement follows mounting pressure from within the Liberal Party. According to CTV News, senior staff in the PMO held a meeting on Monday to discuss the prime minister’s political future. Sources indicated that many members of the Liberal caucus from Ontario, Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and British Columbia have grown increasingly concerned about the party’s declining popularity under Trudeau’s leadership ahead of the 2025 federal election.
Liberal MPs have scheduled a national caucus meeting for Wednesday to discuss Trudeau’s future. In recent weeks, a majority of caucus members have expressed a desire for him to step aside, citing concerns about the party’s chances in the next election. Trudeau had previously told caucus members he would reflect on his political future over the holiday period.
Leadership Race Preparations Underway
Anticipating Trudeau’s resignation, the Liberal Party has begun preparations for a leadership contest. Liberal MPs were invited to a virtual briefing on Monday to review the party’s constitution and leadership rules. Under party regulations, if a leader resigns, the national board of directors must meet within 27 days to set the timeline and rules for a leadership race.
The party must also appoint an interim leader in consultation with the caucus. Key decisions, including the selection of candidates and the timeline for the leadership vote, will be established in the coming weeks.
Trudeau has led the Liberal Party since 2013 and became prime minister in 2015. His tenure has seen significant policy changes and political challenges, but recent years have been marked by declining public support and internal dissent within the party.
As Trudeau prepares to step down, the Liberal Party faces a critical juncture in determining its future leadership and strategy heading into the next federal election.
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