Trudeau prorogues Parliament, will step down as prime minister after leadership race

Justin Trudeau said he will resign as prime minister and leader of the Liberal party following a leadership contest, after months of growing calls from within the Liberal caucus that he step down for the good of his party.

A teary-eyed Trudeau told reporters outside Rideau Cottage, his official residence in Ottawa, on Monday that he reflected on his political future over the holidays and told his kids Sunday evening over dinner that he has decided it's time for him to move on.

I will always fight for this country, and do what I believe is in the best interest of Canadians. pic.twitter.com/AE2nSsx5Nu

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) January 7, 2025

After 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.

As a lifelong Liberal…

— Christy Clark (@christyclarkbc) January 6, 2025

Trudeau said Canadians know him as a fighter, but they deserve a "real choice in the next election," which will take place later this year.

"It has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," he said.

It's the first time the prime minister has taken questions from media since his finance minister suddenly resigned in December. 

Below is my statement on Justin Trudeau’s resignation.

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: https://t.co/7rFS9LdsDh pic.twitter.com/hQRB4XvRZu

— Jagmeet Singh (@theJagmeetSingh) January 6, 2025

While we didn’t always agree, I want to thank Justin Trudeau for his service.

We worked on many important issues including partnering to lower the cost of childcare for families.

Today, we must come together to protect Canadian workers and businesses against US tariff threats.

— David Eby (@Dave_Eby) January 6, 2025

Hey folks. It's possible to disagree with someone & even to have been treated unfairly by them, yet respond to them with grace, respect & human dignity. We need more civility, less hatred. More forbearance, less bitterness. Let's be a nation where people are kind to one another. https://t.co/GwzlezYdqP

— Jane Philpott (@janephilpott) January 6, 2025

Questions about Trudeau's future have swirled for more than a year amid slumping poll numbers, but took on new levels after Chrystia Freeland stepped down as minister of finance and deputy prime minister, sending shock waves through the government and the Liberal party.

Trudeau said he met with Gov. Gen. Mary Simon on Monday morning and that she has agreed to his request to prorogue Parliament until March 24. 

Trudeau said the House of Commons has been paralyzed for months and needs a reset. Proroguing Parliament will put the legislature on pause for months and wipe clear the current slate of legislation, but it will not trigger an election.

In the meantime, Trudeau said he has asked Liberal party president Sachit Mehra Sunday night to immediately launch a leadership race ahead of the next election.

The election is scheduled for fall this year, but an earlier vote appears likely.