Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and as Prime Minister, following the selection of a new leader through a nationwide, competitive process. This decision comes nine years after his election as Prime Minister in 2015.
In light of this development, the House of Commons has been prorogued until March 24, 2025, as granted by Governor General Mary Simon. Prorogation of a Parliament results in the termination of a session. Parliament then stands prorogued until the opening of the next session. The principal effect of ending a session by prorogation is to terminate business. Members are released from their parliamentary duties until Parliament is next summoned.
Justin Trudeau has served as Canada’s 23rd Prime Minister since October 19, 2015, when he led the Liberal Party to a majority government victory. He was re-elected in October 21, 2019, securing a second mandate, and again in September 20, 2021, earning a third term.
Read Trudeau’s resignation speech below:
Every morning, I’ve woken up as prime minister, I’ve been inspired by the resilience, the generosity and the determination of Canadians. It is the driving force of every single day I have the privilege of serving in this office.
That is why, since 2015 I’ve fought for this country, for you, to strengthen and grow the middle class, why we rallied to support each other through the pandemic, to advance reconciliation, to defend free trade on this continent, to stand strong with Ukraine and our democracy and to fight climate change and get our economy ready for the future.
We are at a critical moment in the world.
As you all know, I’m a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians. I care deeply about this country, and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians.
And the fact is, despite best efforts to work through it, Parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority Parliament in Canadian history.
That’s why this morning, I advised the Governor General that we need a new session of Parliament. She has granted this request, and the House will now be prorogued until March 24.
Over the holidays, I’ve also had a chance to reflect, and have had long talks with my family about our future. Throughout the course of my career, any success I have personally achieved has been because of their support and with their encouragement.
So last night, over dinner, I told my kids about the decision that I’m sharing with you today.
I intend to resign as party leader as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process. Last night, I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process.
This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.
The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and democracy. A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal party will carry its values and ideals into that next election.
I’m excited to see the process unfold in the months ahead.
We were elected for the third time in 2021 to strengthen the economy post-pandemic and advance Canada’s interests in a complicated world, and that is exactly the job that I, and we will continue to do for Canadians.
