Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has announced his resignation, calling on the Liberal Party to select its next leader and Prime Minister.
Trudeau, who became the Liberal Party leader in 2013 and has served as Prime Minister since 2015, made the announcement in a televised speech on January 6, 2025.
India-Canada Relations:
Diplomatic relations between Canada and India have been tense since Canada accused India of orchestrating the killing of Khalistani leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil in June 2023 — an allegation that the Indian government has repeatedly denied.
In November 2023, responding to a newspaper report implicating India’s leadership and senior officials in Nijjar’s case, PM Trudeau criticized his own national security officials. He referred to them as “criminals,” for leaking classified information to the media, accusing them of consistently misrepresenting the facts.
Dismissing the media report as a “smear campaign” India’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal said “we do not normally comment on media reports. However, such ludicrous statements made to a newspaper purportedly by a Canadian government source should be dismissed with the contempt they deserve.”
“On October 14th, because of a significant and ongoing threat to public safety, the RCMP [Royal Canadian Mounting Police] and officials took the extraordinary step of making public accusations of serious criminal activity in Canada perpetrated by agents of the Government of India,” explained Intelligence Advisor to the PM Trudeau, Nathalie G. Drouin, in a statement. “The Government of Canada has not stated, nor is it aware of the evidence, linking Prime Minister Modi, Minister Jaishankar, or NSA Doval to the serious criminal activity within Canada. Any suggestion to the contrary is both speculative and inaccurate.”
Trudeau’s Internal Battles:
In a January 6th televised speech, Trudeau noted “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.”
Trudeau emphasized the significance of the Liberal Party in Canada’s history and democracy, expressing confidence that a new leader would carry its values into the next election.
“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,” he stated. “I’m excited to see the process unfold in the months ahead.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Trudeau shared his gratitude for Canadians, saying, “Every morning, I have woken up as prime minister inspired by the resilience, generosity, and determination of Canadians. It is the driving force behind every single day I’ve served.”
Trudeau’s Leadership Milestones:
He recounted his leadership milestones, highlighting efforts to strengthen the middle class, navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, advance reconciliation, defend free trade, support Ukraine, and address climate change.
“That is why, since 2015, I’ve fought for this country, for you, to strengthen and grow the middle class,” he said. “Why we rallied to support each other through the pandemic.”
Trudeau also acknowledged the challenges of recent months, pointing to parliamentary gridlock as a key factor in his decision. “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,” he said.
Leadership Transition and Family Support:
According to Trudeau, he has requested and received approval from the Governor General to prorogue Parliament until March 24, 2025, allowing time for the leadership transition.
Trudeau noted that over the holidays, he reflected deeply and had long discussions with his family about their future. “Any success I have personally achieved has been because of their support and encouragement,” he said.
He concluded by reiterating his commitment to Canada’s future, emphasizing that the Liberal Party was elected in 2021 to strengthen the economy post-pandemic and advance the country’s interests in an increasingly complex world.
“Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians. I care deeply about this country,” Trudeau said. “And I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians.”
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