Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly on the
verge of resigning, which could end his nine-year tenure as Liberal Party
leader. Sources indicate he may step down before the party's caucus meeting to
avoid the perception of being ousted by his MPs.
This follows the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia
Freeland, who quit due to disagreements over policy, including former U.S.
President Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canadian goods.
Freeland's departure has fueled political uncertainty as Trudeau’s government
grapples with economic challenges and sliding voter confidence.
Polls suggest the Liberal Party is heading toward potential
electoral defeat, with just 26% of respondents in a September Ipsos survey
naming Trudeau as their preferred prime minister—19 points behind Conservative
leader Pierre Poilievre. Public frustration has grown over the rising cost of
living and Trudeau’s governing style, with calls for new leadership
intensifying, especially in Quebec, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada.
Trudeau’s leadership began with a remarkable 2015 victory,
when he took the Liberals from third place to power with a platform focused on
progressive reforms, climate change, and taxation of the wealthy. However, his
tenure was marred by controversies and public disillusionment over time.
A leadership change could prompt a snap election before the
mandatory vote in October. Whoever succeeds Trudeau will face critical
challenges, including resolving trade tensions with the U.S., where Trump has
pledged to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian goods if border issues related to
irregular migration and illegal drug flow are not addressed.
Freeland’s resignation letter highlighted this issue as a
"grave challenge." Her exit, just hours before delivering the
national budget, underscores the internal policy rifts within Trudeau’s
government.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who rose to prominence
in 2022, has gained support by pledging to lower taxes, control inflation, and
protect individual freedoms. His backing of the Freedom Convoy protests against
COVID-19 mandates solidified his appeal among critics of pandemic-era policies.
Trudeau’s potential departure would mark the end of a
defining era in Canadian politics, prompting speculation about the future of
the Liberal Party as it prepares for a contentious election amid economic
pressures and political divisions.
