OTTAWA: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is increasingly expected to announce his intention to step down, though no final decision has been made, according to a source familiar with his thinking.
The source, speaking to Reuters under anonymity, commented after the Globe and Mail reported that Trudeau could announce as early as Monday his plan to resign as leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party after nine years in office.
Trudeau’s potential departure comes at a critical time, as polls suggest the Liberals face a significant defeat to the opposition Conservatives in the next election, due by late October.
The Globe and Mail noted that while the exact timing of Trudeau’s announcement remains uncertain, it is likely to occur before an emergency meeting of Liberal legislators on Wednesday.
An increasing number of Liberal parliamentarians, alarmed by poor polling results, have publicly urged Trudeau to step down.
The prime minister’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. His schedule for Monday indicated he would participate virtually in a cabinet committee meeting on Canada-U.S. relations.
It remains unclear whether Trudeau would leave office immediately or continue as prime minister until a new Liberal leader is chosen, according to the Globe and Mail.
Rising Calls for Resignation
Trudeau, who became Liberal leader in 2013 when the party was struggling in third place, led the Liberals to power in 2015 on a progressive platform of climate action and women’s rights.
However, discontent within the party has grown. Calls for his resignation intensified in December when Trudeau attempted to demote Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, a key ally, after she opposed his plans for increased spending. Freeland resigned, accusing Trudeau of prioritizing “political gimmicks” over the nation’s best interests.
Trudeau has reportedly discussed interim leadership with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, though such a move may be complicated if LeBlanc intends to run for party leader.
The prime minister has faced mounting challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which consumed much of his administration’s focus. While Ottawa’s heavy spending protected consumers and businesses, it also led to record deficits and failed to shield the public from rising costs.
Issues like a strained housing market, exacerbated by a mismanaged immigration policy, further fueled dissatisfaction.
If Trudeau resigns, it could prompt calls for a snap election to establish a stable government capable of addressing these challenges.
