Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to announce his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party, according to a report by The Globe and Mail. Sources suggest that Trudeau will make his announcement ahead of a crucial national caucus meeting scheduled for Wednesday. The 53-year-old leader has been facing increasing challenges in his own party, with support dwindling and public opinion polls reflecting a dismal outlook for the Liberal Party.
The prime minister’s resignation is expected as the result of a party revolt, with many members no longer behind his leadership. Sources close to Trudeau indicate that while he still believes he is the right person to lead, the lack of support from his caucus has led him to the conclusion that stepping down is necessary.
The Growing Pressure: A Collapse in Polls
Recent opinion polls have shown the Liberal Party at a significant disadvantage, with Trudeau’s approval ratings in sharp decline. A survey conducted by Nanos Research on December 31, 2024, revealed that the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, were ahead by 26 points—an overwhelming lead that would likely result in a Conservative victory if elections were held today. The same poll showed Conservative support at 46.6%, an indication that Justin Trudeau and his party are heading for a major defeat.
Despite elections being scheduled for October 2025, the growing pressure on Trudeau to resign now stems from a desire to avoid a situation where the Liberals are further discredited and the country struggles under poor governance during turbulent times.
Could Trudeau Resign as Prime Minister Too?
As the situation develops, speculation is mounting about whether Justin Trudeau will also resign as Prime Minister, or whether he will remain in office until a new leader is selected. Reports suggest that Trudeau may stay on as Prime Minister until a successor is found, with a leadership change potentially set in motion after his resignation as party leader.
However, some insiders believe that his early departure would trigger calls for a swift election to install a government capable of effectively navigating the challenges posed by President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
What Happens Next: The Leadership Challenge
If Justin Trudeau officially steps down, the Liberal Party faces two possible courses of action: appointing an interim leader until a permanent successor is elected, or holding a shortened leadership contest. Both options would require action from the national caucus, and the next steps remain uncertain.
One potential candidate for interim leader is Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, who reportedly discussed the possibility with Trudeau. However, the source also pointed out that LeBlanc may not be viable for the long term if he plans to run for the leadership in the future. Other MPs have expressed a preference for an interim leader to stabilise the party before the next election.
Internal Party Struggles and Growing Dissent
Trudeau’s standing within the Liberal Party has taken a severe hit, with over half of the party’s 153 MPs reportedly seeking his resignation. Sources suggest that the number of MPs calling for his resignation could soon approach 100, indicating widespread discontent with his leadership.
In addition to party revolts, Trudeau’s declining support has led some to speculate that former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland may be the most suitable candidate to challenge the Conservatives, should she choose to run for leadership.
As Justin Trudeau faces increasing pressure and public disillusionment, the next steps will determine the future of the Liberal Party and its ability to present a strong challenge to the Conservative Party in the upcoming federal elections. With party unity fraying and polling numbers suggesting an inevitable defeat, Trudeau’s resignation as Liberal leader marks a defining moment in Canadian politics. Whether this will extend to his role as Prime Minister remains to be seen.
