Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigns in downcast speech after revealing decision to his kids over dinner
EMBATTLED Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced he will resign as the leader of the ruling Liberal Party.
Trudeau, who has been in power since 2015, has seen his popularity plummet in recent years as Canada faces housing and economic crises.
"Every morning I've woken up as prime minister, I've been inspired by the resilience, the generosity, and the determination of Canadians," Trudeau said at a press conference outside the Rideau Cottage in Ottawa.
"It is the driving force of every single day I've 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.
"While 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 for the future. We are at a critical moment in the world."
Trudeau, 53, said he disclosed his decision to his family over dinner on Sunday.
It has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.
Justin Trudeau
"You all know I'm a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians," he added.
"I care deeply about his country, and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians.
"But despite our best efforts to work through it, parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history.
"That's why this morning, I advised the Governor General that we need a new session of parliament.
Trump has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian products if Canada does not stop what he claims is an increase of drugs and migrants coming into the US from the northern border.
'51st STATE'
The president-elect pledged to impose the tariffs on Canada and on his first day in office.
In the weeks since his Election Day victory, Trump has coined around the idea of making Canada the 51st state.
In a Truth Social post, reacting to Trudeau's impending resignation, Trump suggested that if "Canada merged with the US," there would be "no tariffs."
"Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State," Trump wrote.
"The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsides that Canada needs to stay afloat. Just 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 threats of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them.
"Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!"
Trudeau's looming resignation will mark the end of a political era that began in 2013 when he became the leader of the Liberal Party.
Under his leadership, the Liberal Party won three consecutive elections in 2015, 2019, and 2021.
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of Canada's Conservative Party, is the top contender to replace Trudeau as the country's prime minister.
However, Trudeau urged Canadians to rethink their choice of potentially selecting Poilievre to lead the country.
"Pierre Poilievre's vision for this country is not the right one for Canadians," the outgoing prime minister said.
"Stopping the fight against climate change doesn't make sense.
"Backing off on the values and strength in diversity that Canada has always worked to pull itself on is not the right path for the country.
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"Attacking journalists, the CBC, institutions, that is not what Canadians need in this moment."
Trudeau added that he believes Poilievre has a "very small vision"; for Canada.