The Liberals will have a new leader heading into the 2025 federal election
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stepping down as Liberal leader and prime minister.
Trudeau announced his decision in front of Rideau College on Monday morning.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process,” he said. “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.”
Trudeau added that Governor General Mary Simon granted his request to prorogue Parliament until March 24.
Pressure on Trudeau to step aside continued to mount after former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced her resignation in December citing being “at odds” with the prime minister about Canada’s future.
And on Dec. 23, the Liberal Party’s Atlantic Caucus – which includes Agriculture Minister Lawrence MacAulay – wrote to the prime minister asking for his resignation.
“Simply put, time is of the essence, and our Caucus is of the view that it is not tenable for you to remain as the Leader, and that we need to allow for the necessary conversations on transition to take place,” the letter written by Kody Blois says.
Farms.com reached out to Minister MacAulay’s office for comment on Trudeau’s resignation and if it changes his plans for the 2025 federal election.
The minister’s office provided this response from MacAulay:
“I have always been firm in my support for the Prime Minster – from his leadership campaign to where we are today – and I am proud to have served with him on the Opposition benches, and in government as a member of his Cabinet for over nine years. His focus has always been on Canadians and making life better for the people who call this country home.
He became the leader of our Party at a critical time and helped us grow from a mere 36 seats to a strong majority focused on delivering for Canadians and repairing the damage and division caused by the previous Conservative government. It was under his leadership that we have been able to achieve a great deal for Island families, our province, and the country.
We lowered the retirement age back to 65 and boosted OAS for seniors 75 and over, made historic investments in our infrastructure and small craft harbours, delivered the Canada Child Benefit, $10-a-day child care, dental care, pharmacare, a National School Food program, and made massive steps forward on the environment.
I consider him to be not only a historic leader, but a dear friend, and his legacy will be one of unwavering service to Canadians.
Frances and I wish him and his family well in the future.”