In front of his official residence at Rideau Cottage, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada on Monday, January 6. However, he will remain in office as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen.

"The country deserves a clear and real choice in the next election," Trudeau stated. "It has become evident to me that if I must focus on internal battles, I cannot be the best option in those elections."

The past months have been challenging for Trudeau, particularly since the resignation of his Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, last month.

"Chrystia has been by my side for nearly 10 years. She was an essential political partner in everything we accomplished as a government and within our party. I truly wished she would have continued as Deputy Prime Minister and taken on one of the most critical issues Canadians and our government will face in the coming months, but she chose not to."

Reflecting on His Tenure
In office since 2015, Trudeau expressed pride in Canada's progress in combating poverty and addressing climate change.

"In 2015, we were elected on a promise to work for the middle class, and that’s what we did. We reduced poverty, helped countless families, and built an economy that works for many while preparing for a future shaped by digital transformation and climate change. We’ve accomplished a great deal with Canadians, and Canada is better for the work we’ve done over the years."

However, Trudeau admitted regret over not being able to reform the electoral system.

"I still believe that if our electoral system had been changed to allow people to rank their first, second, and third choices on a ballot, parties would have spent more time focusing on shared priorities. I could not unilaterally change the country’s voting system."

A Parliamentary Reset
At the Prime Minister’s request, Governor General Mary Simon has agreed to prorogue the parliamentary session until March 24.

"Despite my efforts, Parliament has been paralyzed for months. It has been the longest session for a minority government in Canada’s history. That’s why I asked the Governor General to extend the parliamentary session," he explained.

"Parliament needs a reset. It needs to calm things down and refocus on working for Canadians instead of engaging in constant petty politics, like what we’re seeing from the Conservatives," Trudeau added.

"This reset has two components: prorogation to restart with a fresh approach in Parliament, and a leadership race within the Liberal Party. I believe that if I am no longer leading the party, the polarization we are witnessing should also subside somewhat."

A New Leader for the Liberal Party
In the weeks and months ahead, the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC) will begin a leadership race. Trudeau stated that he has asked the party president to initiate the process.

"Last night, I asked the party president to take the necessary steps to establish a natural, rigorous, and competitive process. Canada deserves a clear and real choice in the next election. I look forward to observing this process in the coming months."

"The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and democracy. A new Prime Minister and leader will carry the party’s values and vision into the next election."

On Poilievre’s Leadership
When asked whether Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre would be a good choice for Canada, Trudeau was unequivocal.

"Pierre Poilievre has a narrow and misguided vision for the country—if we can even call it a vision. Rolling back fundamental rights, halting the fight against climate change, failing to invest in a greener and more inclusive economy, and constantly seeking to divide Canadians rather than unite them to face the future with optimism and ambition is not the right choice for Canadians. I look forward to continuing to be part of a progressive movement that envisions a better future based on optimism and the hard work Canadians have always done to build a better world."

"Canadians need a functioning Parliament, especially in today’s complex global environment," Trudeau concluded.

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