On January 6, 2025, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his decision to step down as leader of the Liberal Party while remaining in office until a new leader is chosen. This announcement comes amid a political crisis triggered by the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in December, who cited disagreements over Canada’s response to the incoming Trump administration’s trade policies. In response, Dominic LeBlanc was appointed as the new finance minister. Trudeau’s popularity has plummeted, with polls indicating just 19% support for him and 16% for the Liberal Party, marking their lowest ratings since 2014. Meanwhile, the opposition Conservative Party has surged ahead with a significant lead. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, has expressed intentions to introduce a motion to topple Trudeau’s government, criticizing the Liberal administration for failing to prioritize the needs of the people. Although facing mounting pressure for his resignation, Trudeau had refrained from stepping down since mid-December. As the political landscape shifts, the Canadian Parliament will be prorogued until March, allowing the Liberal Party time to select its next leader.
