Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation following a significant loss of support within his party and the country. The Liberal Party now faces the task of selecting a new leader amidst challenges such as threats of steep tariffs on Canadian goods by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and an upcoming election.
Trudeau, the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, revealed his intention to remain in office until a new party leader is chosen. His decision came after the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, a key ally, last month.
The political landscape in Canada is further complicated by Trump's threats of tariffs and his focus on the trade deficit with Canada. The possibility of a trade war looms as Canada vows to retaliate if tariffs are imposed.
The Liberal Party must elect a new leader before Parliament resumes in March to avoid a potential no-confidence vote that could trigger an election. The opposition Conservative Party is seen as a strong contender in a potential spring election.
Several candidates are being considered for the position of the next prime minister, including Mark Carney, a respected economist with a track record of navigating economic crises. Freeland and Dominic LeBlanc, the new finance minister, are also among the potential candidates.
Recent polls indicate a challenging road ahead for the Liberals, with the Conservatives leading by a significant margin. Analysts suggest that Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre could be poised to form the next government, promising to address issues such as the cost of living crisis and government spending.
The political landscape in Canada remains uncertain as the country navigates through a period of transition and prepares for potential changes in leadership.