Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly preparing to resign as soon as Monday amid increasing political pressure, disputes with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, and declining approval ratings, according to sources cited by The Globe and Mail.
Three unnamed sources familiar with the situation revealed that Trudeau’s resignation would come before a key meeting with his Liberal Party colleagues. This follows Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s recent resignation, allegedly linked to Trudeau’s fallout with Trump over tariff policies.
Trudeau, who has served as Prime Minister since 2015, currently holds a 33% approval rating, as per a September Ipsos poll. Growing dissatisfaction within his party has further intensified the calls for his resignation, with over 40 Liberal Members of Parliament reportedly urging him to step down, according to The New York Post.
If Trudeau resigns, the Liberal Party would appoint an interim leader to serve as Prime Minister until the next federal election, which is scheduled for October 20, 2025, unless an earlier vote of no confidence triggers it.
Scandals and Controversies
Trudeau’s time in office has been overshadowed by multiple scandals, including:
2019 Blackface Controversy: Photos surfaced of Trudeau wearing blackface at a party in 2001, prompting widespread criticism.
Judicial Interference Allegations: Trudeau was accused of pressuring then-Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould to drop corruption charges against Quebec-based SNC-Lavalin in 2019.
These issues, coupled with dissatisfaction over his handling of cost-of-living challenges and immigration, have contributed to his declining popularity.
Political Outlook
Recent polls suggest the opposition Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, is poised to secure a majority in the next election. CBC News polling indicates the Conservatives hold a 21-point lead over the Liberals.
Poilievre has criticized Trudeau’s policies on several key issues, including:
Housing Affordability: Poilievre argues that immigration under Trudeau’s government has exacerbated housing shortages, with home prices rising 227% from 2003 to 2023 while wages have only increased by 74.3%.
Carbon Tax: Trudeau’s environmental policies, particularly the carbon tax, have drawn backlash for increasing living costs.
Gun Control: Trudeau’s 2020 ban on “assault weapons” has faced opposition from conservatives and gun rights advocates.
Public Concerns
Canadian voters are increasingly focused on:
Rising housing costs and affordability.
Immigration policies contributing to housing shortages.
Gun control measures.
Climate policies and their economic impact.
If Trudeau steps down, his resignation will mark the end of a nine-year tenure marked by significant achievements and controversies. His departure would likely usher in a period of political uncertainty for the Liberal Party as they work to rebuild public trust.
Trudeau’s office has not confirmed the reports. However, if true, this decision would signal a major shift in Canada’s political landscape.
