Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as Liberal Party leader in the wake of US President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats and taunts referring to Canada as the 51st state.
It’s the end of a nine-year stint in office, as pressure grew from within his Liberal Party which is trailing significantly behind the opposition Conservative Party in the polls.
Trump was asked if he plans to use military force to make Canada the 51st state on Tuesday.
He said he plans to use “economic force.”
“Because Canada and the United States, that would really be something — you get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like,” he added.
Trudeau, 53, who will remain as Canadian prime minister until the party has chosen a successor, made the announcement from his Rideau Cottage residence on Monday.
“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 am having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
Key Points
- Biden heaps on praise for ‘friend’ Trudeau
- After trolling Canada and Trudeau toppled, Trump sets sights on Greenland
- Musk, a former Canada resident, revels in Trudeau’s resignation
- What happens now that Justin Trudeau has resigned?
- Trump says he plans to use ‘economic force’ to make Canada 51st state
Trump says he plans to use ‘economic force’ to make Canada 51st state
18:15 , Gustaf KilanderPresident-elect Donald Trump was asked if he plans to use military force to make Canada the 51st state.
He said he plans to use “economic force.”
“Because Canada and the United States, that would really be something — you get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like,” he added.
“And it would also be much better for national security. Don't forget, we basically protect Canada,” he claimed. “But here's the problem with Canada. So many friends up there. I love the Canadian people. They're great, but we're spending hundreds of billions a year to protect it.”
Trump says he plans to use "economic force" to make Canada a state pic.twitter.com/fNxQ59FQlS
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 7, 2025
Opposition leader taunts Trudeau and says he’s ‘too cowardly’ to call election
18:00 , James LiddellTrudeau quits as Liberal leader & prorogues Parliament.
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) January 7, 2025
He was too cowardly to call an election & face voters.
Instead, he wants Canadians to wait while his incompetent Liberal Party selects the next UNELECTED Prime Minister.
Enough. Stop this clown show and call an axe the… pic.twitter.com/INO5mZK6Uj
After trolling Canada and Trudeau toppled, Trump sets sights on Greenland
17:30 , James LiddellLess than 24 hours after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his exit, Donald Trump dispatched his eldest son on a visit to Greenland and said the US “must” acquire the autonomous Arctic territory from Denmark.
“Don Jr. and my Reps landing in Greenland. The reception has been great,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday morning. “They, and the Free World, need safety, security, strength, and PEACE! This is a deal that must happen. MAGA. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”
The incoming commander-in-chief first trailed the visit on Monday evening, posting that he is “hearing that the people of Greenland are ‘MAGA’”.
He added: “My son, Don Jr, and various representatives, will be traveling there to visit some of the most magnificent areas and sights.”
The president-elect has also talked about “merging” the US with Canada in recent days, capitalizing on the political instability caused by Trudeau’s resignation this week to post on Truth Social on Monday: “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State.”
Ontario premier taunts Trump with ‘counteroffer': buying Alaska
17:00 , James LiddellOntario Premier Doug Ford responded to Donald Trump’s repeated comments about annexing Canada:
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) January 7, 2025
“I’ll make him a counteroffer. How about if we buy Alaska? We’ll throw in Minnesota, and Minneapolis at the same time…”pic.twitter.com/cLjSBwaOy1
ICYMI: Trudeau takes subtle dig at former deputy prime minister whose shock resignation foretold his downfall
16:35 , James LiddellAs he announced Monday that he would be stepping down as his party’s leader, outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a subtle dig at his former deputy prime minister whose shocking resignation foretold his downfall.
Former deputy prime minister and minister of finance Chrystia Freeland threw Trudeau’s government into chaos when she abruptly resigned from the cabinet last month, just hours before she was due to deliver the country’s first economic update since the U.S. election.
And now, a mere few weeks later, Trudeau followed with his resignation citing “internal battles” within his Liberal Party.
Rhian Lubin has the story.
Trudeau’s subtle dig at ex-deputy PM whose shock resignation foretold his downfall
Canadian billionaire, who once vied to be PM, urged Trump to tone down Canada rhetoric days before Trudeau exit
16:10 , James LiddellCanadian billionaire Kevin O’Leary said that he urged Donald Trump to “stand down on Canada” until a new prime minister is appointed, just days before Justin Trudeau announced his departure.
The Shark Tank star, who in 2016 entered the race to lead Canada’s Conservative Party, told America’s Newsroom on Tuesday that he visited the president elect’s Mar-a-Lago resort on Saturday.
“So I was in Mar-a-Lago over the weekend. I had a few moments with the president-elect, and I asked him if he would consider the fact that Trudeau... on Saturday, when we were talking, the rumors were that he was going to resign,” he said.
“I said, ‘Well, why not stand down on Canada for the next couple of months while they elect a new leader like you were elected with a four year mandate.’”
O’Leary’s plea follows Trump threatening to impose a blanket 25 percent tariff on the import of Canadian goods, and suggesting that the nation will become the 51st US state.
Ontario premier announces border crackdown amidst Trump threats that derailed Trudeau
15:55 , James LiddellPremier of Ontario Doug Ford announced the launch of “Operation Deterrence” to bolster border security with the US, as Donald Trump’s tariff threats loom.
On Tuesday morning, less than 24 hours after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignaton, Ford said in a statement that the Ontario government will “crack down on illegal border crossings and illegal guns and drugs”.
As part of the response, the Ontario Provincial Police has assembled an emergency response team of 200 officers.
After garnering enough electoral college votes to be declared president-elect in November, Trump threatened to impose a blanket 25 percent tariff on the import of Canadian goods unless border security is tightened.
Writing at the time on Truth Social, he said that the levy would “remain in effect until such time as Drugs, in particular Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country”.
In focus: Justin Trudeau’s fall from grace shows politics is an ugly game in every way
15:30 , James LiddellWhen Justin Trudeau became the Canadian prime minister in 2015, people were still using that thing called Facebook. I can remember well the frothing posts by female friends, none of whom could contain their excitement at the election of this hottie PM. Furthermore, they gushed at the notion that what made him hotter still was not only that he was young and handsome, he was a lovely liberal dude too, which made him even more super-duper guy.
(If my male friends had written about an equally attractive female prime minister in such a way, they might well have been cancelled, but let’s park that.) As far as my friends were concerned – and to be fair, Trudeau had plenty of male fanboys – here was the perfect Generation X politician, and all would surely be well in his good hands.
It certainly doesn’t look like that any more because. With an approval rating of just 30 per cent, and facing a huge crisis in the wake of his deputy prime minister and finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, resigning, Justin Trudeau has finally stepped down.
Guy Walters has more.
Justin Trudeau’s fall from grace shows politics is an ugly game for a handsome face
Biden heaps on praise for ‘friend’ Trudeau
15:05 , James LiddellUS President Joe Biden has heaped on praise for Canada’s departing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, noting he’s “proud to call him my friend”.
Biden, who has less than two weeks left in office, made the comments in a statement released by the White House on Tuesday morning. He said that he spoke with Trudeau on Monday to express his appreciation.
“Over the last decade, Prime Minister Trudeau has led with commitment, optimism, and strategic vision. The U.S.-Canada alliance is stronger because of him. The American and Canadian people are safer because of him. And the world is better off because of him,” the president said.
“I am proud to call him my friend. And I will be forever grateful for his partnership and leadership.”
Biden also thanked Trudeau for their joint management of the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change and the war on fentanyl.
‘He let you down’: NPD leader Jagmeet Singh makes pitch to Canadians
14:45 , James LiddellThe leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party Jagmeet Singh has spoken out about the incumbent prime minister’s departure and the potential new Liberal leader, while taking a swipe at the Conservative Party.
Writing in a statement on Monday, Singh said: “Justin Trudeau has let you down, over and over. He let you down on the cost of housing and groceries. He let you down on fixing health care. It doesn't matter who leads the Liberals. They don't deserve another chance. Conservatives are jumping at the opportunity to take from you and give more to CEOs.
“You will pay the price of Poilievre's cuts. If you oppose callous Conservative cuts; if you oppose the rich getting richer while everyone else falls further behind – stand with the NDP this time.”
Watch: Justin Trudeau’s resignation speech blows away seconds before announcement
14:20 , James Liddell
Canadian prime minister’s notes blow away seconds before resignation speech
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre lashes out at Liberal PM hopeful Mark Carney
13:55 , James LiddellAmazing:
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) January 7, 2025
Even after Justin Trudeau calls it quits, Carbon Tax Carney stays on as Chair of Trudeau’s “Economic Growth Council."
Carney is just like Justin and he would carry on the same out-of-control tax hikes, deficits, corporate welfare and bureaucracy that broke our economy.
When might there be a new Canadian prime minister?
13:30 , James LiddellSoon-to-be-ex Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would stay on in office until his Liberal Party can choose a new leader. Parliament will now be prorogued until March 2024.
The Liberals will need to elect a new leader before parliament resumes because the three opposition parties – the Conservative Party, New Democratic Party and Bloc Québécois – say they will bring down the government in a no-confidence vote at the first opportunity, which would trigger an election.
The new Liberal leader might not be prime minister for long and a spring election would very likely favor the opposing Conservative Party.
Voices: Trudeau is the first liberal beast to be felled by Trump. Question is, who’s next?
13:11 , James LiddellCanada was, it was widely said, plunged into crisis after Justin Trudeau resigned as prime minister and Liberal Party leader on the first working day after the holiday break. But this is not quite true.
Canadian politics was already in crisis. It might be more accurate to present Trudeau’s resignation as offering the only way out of the crisis that had culminated last month in the summary departure of his deputy and finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, and the loss of support from the last party in parliament, still shoring up his minority government.
Freeland’s resignation had laid bare a sharp policy split at the apex of the government over public spending, while the threat by Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, to propose a no-confidence vote could have toppled a government already barely able to govern.
Trudeau may have, as he said in his resignation announcement, consulted his family before making his decision, but in truth, the decision had been made for him. The Liberal Party is now looking for a new leader, with the possibility that the next general election, to be held by next autumn, could be brought forward.
Columnist Mary Dejevsky ponders who might succeed the soon-to-be-ex Canadian prime minister.
Trudeau is the first liberal beast to be felled by Trump. Question is: who’s next?
Trudeau’s premiership in pictures
12:50 , James Liddell
Trudeau’s potential successors speak out
12:31 , James LiddellAfter a lifetime of public service Justin Trudeau has stepped aside as both Leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister of Canada. I want to thank him as a Canadian for his service to the country that he so clearly loves. I wish him and his family well.
— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) January 6, 2025
As a lifelong Liberal…
I thank Justin Trudeau for his years of service to Canada and Canadians. I wish him and his family the very best.
— Chrystia Freeland (@cafreeland) January 6, 2025
Over the last ten years, the Prime Minister devoted himself to making this country a better place for all Canadians.
— Mélanie Joly (@melaniejoly) January 6, 2025
Thank you, @JustinTrudeau for your leadership, determination and sacrifice. Sending well wishes to him and his family.
Thank you, Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau.
— Dominic LeBlanc (@DLeBlancNB) January 6, 2025
Serving alongside you in the House of Commons and in your Cabinet has been the honour of a lifetime.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stepping down as leader of the Liberal Party after serving as prime minister for nearly a decade – a move that requires the party to choose a new leader.
Facing mounting pressure to resign from members of his own party, Trudeau announced on Monday he will step down from his post which he was first elected to in 2015.
Now, the Liberal Party will decide on its next leader by holding a contest to decide who will succeed Trudeau. Until they do so, Trudeau will remain prime minister. The move comes eight months before the country is expected to hold federal elections.
Ariana Baiooutlines what might happen next.
Mark Carney: From running the Banks of England and Canada to trying to succeed Justin Trudeau
11:50 , James LiddellMark Carney came to prominence in Britain as the man hand-picked by George Osborne to be governor of the Bank of England and help bring financial stability after the 2008 banking collapse.
But his tenure at the Bank became better known for his failed attempts to stop Brexit in the 2016 referendum and a rearguard action to mitigate the disaster of leaving the EU.
However, while he failed to stop Brexit he now hopes to be the man who can step in and prevent populists taking control in Canada.
The economist, 59, who holds British and Irish as well as Canadian citizenship, has put himself forward to replace Justin Trudeau as the next leader of the Liberal Party in Canada and become its prime minister.
The Independent’s political editor, David Maddox, has the full story.
Mark Carney: From running Banks of England to trying to succeed Justin Trudeau
Watch: Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation speech
11:30 , James LiddellMusk, a former Canada resident, revels in Trudeau’s resignation
11:10 , James LiddellFormer Canada resident Elon Musk has shared his jubilation over Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation on Monday night.
In the wake of Trudeau’s announcement, Musk shared a post celebrating the PM’s departure on his social media platform, X, with the caption: “2025 is looking good.”
The original post read: “Trump won. Trudeau resigned. Keir Starmer got exposed. Nayib Bukele cut crime by 95% in El Salvador. Javier Milei created the first surplus since 2008 in Argentina. Masculinity is back. Great men are ascendant. And just in time. We’re going to need them.”
Musk, who is set to lead Donald Trump’s unofficial Department of Government Efficiency, immigrated to Canada at the age of 18, acquiring citizenship through his Canadian-born mother, Maye.
A decade later, the billionaire became a naturalized US citizen. Musk was born in Pretoria, South Africa.
ICYMI: Trump declares many Candians ‘LOVE being the 51st State’
10:50 , James Liddell
Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of England, to enter race to succeed Trudeau
10:35 , James LiddellThe former governor of the Bank of England and Bank of Canada, Mark Carney is considering entering the race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Liberal party leader, following the Canadian incumbent prime minister’s exit on Monday.
Carney, 59, is the chair of Brookfield Asset Management and is affiliated with Liberal-alligned think tank Canada 2020. He has never run for political office.
“I’ll be considering this decision closely with my family over the coming days,” Carney told the Financial Times.
Carney has remained a top adviser to Trudeau’s government and, in September, the Liberal party announced he would lead a task force on economic growth.
“Throughout his extensive career both in public service and the private sector, Mark Carney’s ideas, deep experience, and proven economic leadership have made a bedrock contribution to a better economic future for all Canadians,” Trudeau said at the time.
How the once fresh face of Canadian liberalism began hemorrhaging support
10:15 , James LiddellAfter nearly 10 years at the country’s helm, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned as leader of the ruling Liberal Party.
Trudeau’s latest crisis has been sparked by the sudden resignation of his finance minister Chrystia Freeland, amid a dispute over how best to handle U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threatened trade tariffs. At a press conference on Monday, Trudeau cited “internal battles” within the Liberal Party that meant he “cannot be the best option” in the next election.
Once the poster-boy for liberal politics, his popularity has waned and his approval rating has dipped below 30 percent several times this year. So what went wrong?
Rachel Clun and Rhian Lubin have the details.
The rise and fall of Justin Trudeau as Canadian prime minister resigns
Here’s who might replace Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader
10:00 , James LiddellIn the wake of Justin Trudeau, the incumbent Canadian prime minister, stepping down on Monday, the (unofficial) race to replace him is underway. Here are the potential front-runners:
Anita Anand: 57-year-old was minister of procurement during the Covid-19 pandemic before becoming defense minister in 2021. In 2023, she became president of the Treasury Board.
Mark Carney: 59-year-old former central banker for Canada and the UK who is now affiliated with Liberal-aligned think tank Canada 2020.
François-Philippe Champagne: 54-year-old current minister for innovation who has held a suite of cabinet jobs: from international trade to foreign affairs. One of Trudeau’s officials tasked with handling contentious relations with the US ahead of the 2024 election.
Christy Clark: 59-year-old former Liberal premier-turned-senior law firm advisor. Openly called for Trudeau’s resignation after the Toronto–St. Paul’s byelection loss in June.
Sean Fraser: 40-year-old lawyer quit Trudeau’s cabinet as housing minister in December. Though he said he would not run in the next federal election, he shouldn’t be ruled out.
Chrystia Freeland: 56-year-old long-trusted senior official under Trudeau also resigned in December. Handled the North American Free Trade Agreement during Donald Trump’s first term between 2016-2018.
Mélanie Joly: 45-year-old has been foreign affairs minister since 2021 and is leading the Canadian response to the Russia-Ukraine war and conflict in the Middle East.
Dominic LeBlanc: 57-year-old minister of Intergovernmental Affairs who was fixer-in-chief under Trudeau during the Covid-19 pandemic and healthcare negotiations.
Ontario premier Doug Ford: ‘Let’s get to work and build Fortress Am-Can’
09:45 , James LiddellI want Canada and America to be the richest, most prosperous, safest and most successful countries on the planet. Canada has the critical minerals, oil and nuclear energy needed to make it happen. Let’s get to work and build Fortress Am-Can. pic.twitter.com/DQPGVTJ5HV
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) January 7, 2025
It’s not just Canada. Trump also vies to take over Greenland
09:30 , James LiddellIn the wake of Donald Trump again musing Canada will become the 51st US state, his eldest son, Don Jr, is set to visit Greenland Tuesday, as his father triggers local anger by renewing his push to make the Danish territory part of the U.S.
The president-elect announced on his social network Truth Social on Monday that Don Jr and "various representatives" would soon be touring the island's "magnificent areas and sights.”
The soon-to-be president added: “Greenland is an incredible place, and the people will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our Nation. We will protect it, and cherish it, from a very vicious outside World. MAKE GREENLAND GREAT AGAIN!”
Io Dodds has the details.
Don Jr to visit Greenland as Trump renews threat to take it over
Inside Justin Trudeau’s three general election wins
09:15 , James LiddellJustin Trudeau was once heralded as a fresh face of liberalism, offering a message of hope and prosperity to revive a party which had collapsed in support when he took over. During his nine years in office, he won three general elections, with his share of the vote slipping each cycle.
2015: Justin Trudeau had collapsed to 34 seats with 19 percent of the vote in the 2011 election. Returning four years later with an image of positivity and competence to the Liberals, they stormed to a majority win with 184 seats and a 39.5 percent vote share.
2019: The Liberals lost their parliamentary majority in 2019, after a vote swing of -6.4 percent saw them lose 20 seats. They nonetheless went on to form a single-party minority government, setting a record at the time for the lowest ever vote share required to do so. The Conservatives won the popular vote; Trudeau’s party won 36 more seats.
2021: For the second election running, the Liberals narrowly lost the popular vote but were able to form a government. Trudeau had hoped the positivity around his government’s response to the Covid pandemic would translate into a rallying majority. Although this did not happen, the Liberals marginally increased their seat share.
Explainer: Why did Why Justin Trudeau resign?
09:00 , James LiddellCanadian prime minister Justin Trudeau resigned as leader of the Liberal Party on Monday, after facing immense pressure to step down from members of his own party since his deputy prime minister resigned over concerns about Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Facing low approval ratings in part due to the cost of living crisis, signs were mounting that Canadians had lost faith in the Liberal Party, which Trudeau has led as prime minister since 2015.
But internal confidence plummeted in mid-December, when Chrystia Freeland, the deputy prime minister and head of finance, unexpectedly resigned citing disagreements over the handling of Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs on the country – an issue that could damage the economy.
Ariana Baio disects Trudeau’s resignation.
Why is Justin Trudeau stepping down as Canada’s prime minister?
What happens now that Justin Trudeau has resigned?
08:45 , Alexander ButlerTrudeau goes after leader of Canadian Conservatives
08:30 , James LiddellJustin Trudeau bashed Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Canadian Conservatives, arguing that his vision is “not the right one for Canadians.”
The outgoing prime minister said it doesn’t “make sense” to stop fighting climate change.
“We need an ambitious, optimistic view of the future,” he said.
“Pierre Poilievre is not offering that,” he added.
Why Justin Trudeau resigned after nine years as Canadian prime minister?
08:15 , Alexander ButlerWhy is Justin Trudeau stepping down as Canada’s prime minister?
The rise and fall of Justin Trudeau as Canadian prime minister resigns
08:00 , Rachel Clun, Rhian LubinAfter nearly 10 years at the country’s helm, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned as leader of the ruling Liberal Party.
Trudeau’s latest crisis has been sparked by the sudden resignation of his finance minister Chrystia Freeland, amid a dispute over how best to handle U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threatened trade tariffs.
At a press conference on Monday, Trudeau cited “internal battles” within the Liberal Party that meant he “cannot be the best option” in the next election.
Speaking outside his residence at Rideau Cottage, Trudeau said he had taken time over the holidays to “reflect” with his family. “Throughout the course of my career, any success I have personally achieved has been because of their support and with their encouragement,” Trudeau said.
Read more:
The rise and fall of Justin Trudeau as Canadian prime minister resigns
Possible successors: Mark Carney
07:40 , Gustaf KilanderThe former head of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England is a Liberal who has been serving as an adviser to Trudeau for the last several months.
He has been after the leadership post for quite some time, according to the BBC.
Justin Trudeau’s fall from grace shows politics is an ugly game in every way
07:20 , Chris StevensonWhen Justin Trudeau became the Canadian prime minister in 2015, people were still using that thing called Facebook. I can remember well the frothing posts by female friends, none of whom could contain their excitement at the election of this hottie PM. Furthermore, they gushed at the notion that what made him hotter still was not only that he was young and handsome, he was a lovely liberal dude too, which made him even more super-duper guy.
(If my male friends had written about an equally attractive female prime minister in such a way, they might well have been canceled, but let’s park that.) As far as my friends were concerned – and to be fair, Trudeau had plenty of male fanboys – here was the perfect Generation X politician, and all would surely be well in his good hands.
Read more:
Justin Trudeau’s fall from grace shows politics is an ugly game for a handsome face
Trump pushes for Canada to join US after Trudeau resignation announcement
07:00 , Chris StevensonMany people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State.
The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat.
Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned.
If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them.
Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!
Why Justin Trudeau resigned after nine years as Canadian Prime Minister
06:40 , Chris StevensonCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned as leader of the Liberal Party on Monday, after facing immense pressure to step down from members of his own party since his deputy prime minister resigned over concerns about Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Facing low approval ratings in part due to the cost of living crisis, signs were mounting that Canadians had lost faith in the Liberal Party, which Trudeau has led as prime minister since 2015.
But internal confidence plummeted in mid-December, when Chrystia Freeland, the deputy prime minister and head of finance, unexpectedly resigned citing disagreements over the handling of Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs on the country – an issue that could damage the economy.
Read more:
Why Justin Trudeau resigned after nine years as Canadian Prime Minister
Possible successors: Chrystia Freeland
06:18 , Chris StevensonThe former journalist and Toronto MP has long been seen as a possible successor to Justin Trudeau.
Originally from Alberta, Freeland became the country’s first woman finance minister before resigning in December over a disagreement between her and Trudeau on spending on how to react to the threat of tariffs from President-elect Donald Trump.
Trudeau says government will be ‘singularly focused on’ economy as Trump tariff threat looms
06:00 , Gustaf KilanderDuring his press conference Monday, as he announced his resignation, Justin Trudeau was asked by a reporter, “How can the Liberal government be in a position to protect Canadian businesses and Canadians from the threat of tariffs from incoming President Donald Trump when members of the government are going to be focused on who’s going to be taking your job?”
“The government will still and the Cabinet will still be very much focused on doing the job the Canadians elected us to do in 2021, which is fight for their interests, stand up for their wellbeing, and make sure that they are good and that Canadians are protected and strong,” he said.
“There will be a leadership process and the rules will unfold over the coming weeks, but I can assure you that the tools and the need to stand up for Canadians to protect Canadians in their interests and continue to fight for the economy is something that everyone in this government will be singularly focused on,” he added.
WATCH: Justin Trudeau resigns as Canadian prime minister
05:00 , Gustaf KilanderTrudeau calls Chrystia Freeland ‘an incredible political partner'
04:00 , Gustaf KilanderJustin Trudeau commented on the departure of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland last month.
“She has been an incredible political partner through just about everything we have done as a government and as a party over the past decade,” he said Monday. “I had really hoped that she would agree to continue as my deputy prime minister and take on one of the most important files that not just this government but this country is facing, but she chose otherwise.”
“In regards to what actually happened, I am not someone who’s in the habit of sharing private conversations,” he added.
What happens now that Justin Trudeau has resigned?
03:00 , Ariana BaioCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is stepping down as leader of the Liberal Party after serving as prime minister for nearly a decade – a move that requires the party to choose a new leader.
Facing mounting pressure to resign from members of his own party, Trudeau announced on Monday he will step down from his post which he was first elected to in 2015.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a robust nationwide, competitive process,” Trudeau said on Monday.
Now, the Liberal Party will decide on its next leader by holding a contest to decide who will succeed Trudeau. Until they do so, Trudeau will remain prime minister.
Read more:
Trudeau announces resignation speech at Rideau Cottage
02:00 , Gustaf KilanderJustin Trudeau announced his resignation Monday.
“Last night, over dinner, I told my kids about the decision that I sharing with you today,” he said.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process,” he added. “Last night, I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process. This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I am having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
Trudeau: ‘I’ve fought for this country'
01:00 , Gustaf KilanderJustin Trudeau took to the podium Monday, saying “Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I’ve been inspired by the resilience, the generosity and the determination of Canadians.”
He added: “It is the driving force of every single day I have the privilege of serving in this office, that is why, since 2015 I’ve fought for this country, for you, to strengthen and grow the middle class, why we rallied to support each other through the pandemic, to advance reconciliation, to defend free trade on this continent, to stand strong with Ukraine and our democracy and to fight climate change and get our economy ready for the future.”
“We are at a critical moment in the world,” he argued.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepping down as party leader after nearly 10 years in office
00:15 , Rachel Clun, Rhian Lubin MondayJustin Trudeau said Monday that he will step down as prime minister of Canada, after weeks of mounting pressure from within his ruling Liberal Party about how to deal with incoming U.S. President Donald Trump and trade tariffs he has promised.
Speaking outside his residence at Rideau Cottage, Trudeau said he had taken time over the holidays to “reflect” with his family.
“Throughout the course of my career, any success I have personally achieved has been because of their support and with their encouragement,” Trudeau said.
“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.”
Read more:
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stepping down as party leader
Justin Trudeau: Photo collection
Monday 6 January 2025 23:30 , Gustaf Kilander
Justin Trudeau’s resignation speech blows away seconds before announcement
Monday 6 January 2025 22:45 , Caspar BarnesCanada’s Prime Minister was forced to resign off the cuff after his notes blew away seconds before his planned resignation announcement on Monday.
“I’ll wing it,” Justin Trudeau said, as he watched his notes fly from the lectern standing outside his residence in Ottawa.
Trudeau announced he would be stepping down as prime minister, and leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, after nearly ten years in power.
A row had broken out inside Trudeau’s party after US President-elect Donald Trump announced a proposal to introduce 25 percent tariffs on Canada.
Why Justin Trudeau resigned after nine years as Canadian Prime Minister
Monday 6 January 2025 22:00 , Ariana BaioCanadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned as leader of the Liberal Party on Monday, after facing immense pressure to step down from members of his own party since his deputy prime minister resigned over concerns about Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Facing low approval ratings in part due to the cost of living crisis, signs were mounting that Canadians had lost faith in the Liberal Party, which Trudeau has led as prime minister since 2015.
But internal confidence plummeted in mid-December, when Chrystia Freeland, the deputy prime minister and head of finance, unexpectedly resigned citing disagreements over the handling of Trump’s proposed 25 percent tariffs on the country – an issue that could damage the economy.
Read more:
Why Justin Trudeau resigned after nine years as Canadian Prime Minister
Possible successors: Dominic LeBlanc
Monday 6 January 2025 21:30 , Gustaf KilanderThe minister of finance and intergovernmental affairs is one of Trudeau’s closest allies. During times of disorder, he has been entrusted with politically difficult responsibilities.
Having been in parliament for more than 20 years, he previously ran to be the leader of the Liberal Party in 2008, but at the time, Michael Ignatieff came out victorious.
