Title: Justin Trudeau Rumored to Step Down as Canadian Prime Minister: The Lowdown
Topline
Title: Justin Trudeau Rumored to Step Down as Canadian Prime Minister: The Lowdown
Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, is expected to announce his resignation this week, facing mounting pressure from his own party's lawmakers. His resignation comes weeks before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has threatened to impose steep tariffs on all imports from Canada. (As of Monday, Trudeau has indeed confirmed his resignation.)
Key Facts
According to reports in the Globe and Mail, Trudeau might announce his decision as early as Monday, before their national caucus meeting on Wednesday. He desires to make the announcement prior to the meeting to avoid appearing as if he's being ousted by the party's lawmakers, many of whom have openly and privately called for his resignation.
Trudeau's government took a hit last month when his Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, publicly announced her resignation in a critical letter towards the prime minister. Calls for Trudeau's resignation intensified after Freeland's departure, although Trudeau has largely been out of the public eye during the holiday season.
Trudeau's departure will likely spark a leadership battle in the Liberal Party-led government, happening just weeks before Trump assumes office and potentially follows through on his tariff threats.
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Upcoming Canadian Election and Potential Winner
The Canadian Parliament's current term will end later this year, and an election must be held before October 20, 2025. A recent poll conducted by Ipsos, after Freeland's resignation, showed the Conservatives leading with a 25-point advantage over Trudeau's Liberals, with their support at 45%. Canadians polled believed Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was best positioned to tackle Trump, while only 14% felt the same about Trudeau.
Trump's Remarks about Trudeau
Trudeau had a "productive" meeting with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida in November, as described by Trump. They discussed "Fair Trade Deals" and the U.S.-Canada trade deficit. Fox News reported that Trump suggested Canada might become the 51st U.S. state if they thought his administration's planned tariffs would negatively impact their economy. A few weeks later, Trudeau commented on the tariffs, stating that Americans were beginning to comprehend the costs of tariffs on products from Canada. Trump quickly responded through his Truth Social platform, mocking Trudeau as "Governor Justin Trudeau" and expressing his anticipation for future interactions to ensure "spectacular" trade results.
Planned Tariffs from Trump against Canada
Trump announced plans to impose 25% tariffs on all products from Mexico and Canada as one of his first executive orders in November. He argued that a "Caravan" from Mexico, consisting of thousands of people, was a relentless threat to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump stated that tariffs would remain until illegal immigration, drugs, and all illegal aliens ceased, turning the situation around.
Further Reading
- "Trudeau expected to announce exit as party leader before national caucus meeting Wednesday" (The Globe and Mail)
- "Justin Trudeau expected to announce resignation as early as Monday" (Toronto Star)
- "Trump Mocks ‘Governor Justin Trudeau’ After Canadian Prime Minister Flags Tariff Concerns" (Our Website)
The Liberal Party of Canada is bracing for a leadership battle following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's announced resignation. His decision, made amidst pressure from party lawmakers, is expected to spark significant changes within the Canadian political landscape, especially in light of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's planned tariffs on Canada.
In the wake of Justin Trudeau's announcement of resignation, the role of leadership within the Liberal Party-led government is up for grabs, potentially altering the political dynamics in Canada before Donald Trump assumes office.