Justin Trudeau resigned as Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party on Monday. His departure came amid a decline in his popularity, growing discontent within his party, and a simultaneous increase in support for the Conservative Party.
Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of a nine-year tenure as Canada’s leader – a period marked by both achievements and challenges. He will now remain acting prime minister until his successor is chosen, which should happen before October 20, 2025, when national elections are scheduled in Canada.
Justin Trudeau: legacy of a big family
Justin Pierre James Trudeau was born on December 25, 1971 in Ottawa, Canada, into one of Canada’s most prominent political families. His father, Pierre Trudeau, served as the 15th Prime Minister of Canada from 1968 to 1979 and again from 1980 to 1984. His mother, Margaret Trudeau, a socialite and mental health advocate, brought her public attention to the family. Trudeau’s maternal grandfather, James Sinclair, was also a politician, serving as Minister of Fisheries in the cabinet of Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent. James Sinclair was also part of the Royal Canadian Air Force and served with 417 Squadron during the Second World War.
Justin Trudeau: entry into politics
Justin Trudeau did not initially set out on the political path. He began his career in politics by running for the Liberal Party nomination in the riding of Papineau in 2007. He won the nomination and went on to win the seat in the 2008 federal election. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Liberal Party’s critic for youth and multiculturalism in 2009, and later, becoming critic for citizenship and immigration in 2010.
In 2013, Trudeau became leader of the Liberal Party and in 2015, he led the party to a majority government in the federal election. At the age of 43, he became the second youngest Prime Minister in Canadian history. During his tenure, Trudeau has implemented several important policies such as the Canada Child Benefit, the legalization of recreational marijuana, and the introduction of a federal carbon tax.
Justin Trudeau: Initiative
- Climate change: Trudeau has been a vocal supporter of climate action and his government has implemented several measures to reduce Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
- Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples: Trudeau has made efforts to establish reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, including the establishment of an inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Trudeau’s government has launched several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, including the introduction of a non-binary gender option on Canadian passports.
- Legalizing Cannabis: In 2018, Trudeau passed legislation to legalize cannabis, making Canada the second country in the world to do so on a national level.
Justin Trudeau: controversy
- SNC-Lavalin case: Trudeau was accused of interfering in the prosecution of Canadian engineering firm SNC-Lavalin.
- Blackface scandal: Trudeau faced criticism after photos surfaced of him wearing blackface at a costume party in 2001.
- We Charity scandal: Trudeau’s government was criticized for awarding a contract to We Charity, an organization associated with the Trudeau family.
- Aga Khan Row: In 2016, Trudeau and his family vacationed on the Aga Khan’s private island in the Bahamas, a trip that was funded by the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslim community. An ethics investigation found him to have violated four sections of the Conflict of Interest Act.
- Freedom Convoy: In 2022, truck drivers protested against COVID-19 mandates, with widespread anti-government grievances. Trudeau invoked the Emergency Act, which was later rescinded after police dispersed protests.
