Justin Trudeau resigned as Prime Minister and leader of Canada's Liberal Party on Monday. His departure came amid declining popularity, growing dissension within his party and a simultaneous rise in support for the Conservative Party.
Trudeau's resignation marks the end of a nine-year term – a period marked by both achievements and challenges – as Canada's leader. He will now remain acting prime minister until his successor is elected, which must happen before October 20, 2025, when Canada will hold national elections.
Justin Trudeau: Great family legacy
Justin Pierre James Trudeau was born on December 25, 1971 in Ottawa into one of Canada's most prominent political families. His father, Pierre Trudeau, served as Canada's 15th Prime Minister from 1968 to 1979 and then from 1980 to 1984. His mother, Margaret Trudeau, a socialite and mental health advocate, brought her own public attention to the family. Trudeau's maternal grandfather, James Sinclair, was also a politician, serving as Fisheries Minister in Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent's cabinet. James Sinclair was also a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving with 417 Squadron during World War II.
Justin Trudeau: Entry into politics
Justin Trudeau was not initially set on a political path. He started his career in politics in 2007, running for the Liberal Party nomination in the riding of Papineau. He won the nomination and went on to win the seat in the 2008 federal election. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Liberal Party's critic for youth and multiculturalism in 2009, and later critic for citizenship and immigration in 2010.
In 2013, Trudeau became leader of the Liberal Party, and in 2015 he led the party to a majority government in the federal election. At the age of 43, he became the second-youngest prime minister in Canadian history. During his time in office, Trudeau implemented several major policies, such as the Canada Child Benefit, the legalization of recreational marijuana and the introduction of a federal carbon tax.
Justin Trudeau: Initiatives
- Climate Change: Trudeau has been an outspoken advocate for climate action and his government has implemented several measures to reduce Canada's greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples: Trudeau has made efforts to reconcile with Indigenous peoples, including establishing the Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
- Diversity and inclusion: The Trudeau government has introduced several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including the introduction of a non-binary gender option on Canadian passports.
- Legalizing Cannabis: In 2018, Trudeau passed legislation to legalize cannabis, making Canada the second country in the world to do so nationally.
Justin Trudeau: Controversies
- SNC-Lavalin affair: Trudeau was accused of interfering in the prosecution of SNC-Lavalin, a Canadian engineering firm.
- Blackface scandal: Trudeau faced backlash after photos emerged of him wearing blackface at a costume party in 2001.
- WE Charity Scandal: The Trudeau government was criticized for awarding a contract to WE Charity, an organization with ties to the Trudeau family.
- Aga Khan Row: In 2016, Trudeau and his family vacationed on the Aga Khan's private island in the Bahamas, a trip funded by the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community. An ethics investigation found that he had violated four sections of the Conflict of Interest Act.
- Freedom Convoy: In 2022, truck drivers protested COVID-19 mandates, raising broader grievances against the government. Trudeau invoked the emergency law, which was later withdrawn after the protests were dispersed by police.