Canada PM Justin Trudeau resigns amid internal party struggles, criticism of his policies

Facing the loss of support within his party and low popularity in polls, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Jan 6 that he would resign as party leader and PM amid internal party struggles, criticism of his policies, and a growing lead by the opposition Conservative Party.

Trudeau said that he could no longer be the best option for Canada’s leadership but maintained he would stay as the PM until the Liberal Party chooses a new leader.

On Trudeau’s request, Governor General Mary Simon agreed to prorogue Parliament until March 24. This will give the Liberal Party time to hold a shortened leadership contest.

Trudeau explained his decision was based on the need for the Liberal Party to have a clear path forward. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election,” he said. “If I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” he added.

Trudeau's resignation was seen coming by some after Canada's former finance minister, Chrystia Freeland, announced she was stepping down from his Cabinet on December 16, criticizing some of his economic priorities in the face of threats by US President-elect Donald Trump.

Also from New Delhi’s perspective, Trudeau’s time was over and the assessment, as per opinion polls was that he would have possibly lost the elections after being in office for 10 years — he became the Liberal Party’s leader in 2013 and PM in 2015.

Notably, Trudeau is the 23rd prime minister of Canada. He was often compared to John F Kennedy and is one of the few Canadian politicians recognized in the US.

The son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin ascended to power in 2015.

Trudeau is seen as someone who has taken a “scorched earth policy” with regard to India-Canada ties, especially after his allegation in September 2023 that Indian government agents were involved in the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.

Delhi has rejected Trudeau’s allegations as “absurd” and “politically motivated”, and accused his government of sheltering terrorists.

This has led to a downslide in ties — to unprecedented levels, comparable only to India’s ties with Pakistan and China. Dozens of diplomats have been expelled, including High Commissioners, visas have been impacted, no new project is being implemented, and trade has been crippled in the past 18 months.

With Trudeau’s departure, some view it as a time and opportunity to repair the damage done in the past over a year.

Before entering politics, Trudeau worked as a teacher, nightclub bouncer, and snowboard instructor. He has three children with his now-separated wife, who is a former model and TV host.

Possible contenders

While the leadership race is open ahead of the Canadian elections which should be held by June this year, some have already thrown their hat in the ring including former Canada Bank Governor Mark Carney and former Dy PM and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, Transportation Minister Anita Anand and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc are also possible contenders.

According to polls, Liberals are widely expected to lose after 10 years in office, and Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre are expected to come to power.

With Trudeau gone, the temperature might be a bit lower in India-Canada ties — the acrimony and the sharp anti-India public statements and political rhetoric is expected to tone down a bit.

But Trudeau having made statements to the Canadian parliament — he first made the allegation on the floor of the House — it shrinks the space for his party successor — or from the Opposition if Poilievre were to become the next PM — in a situation where they will find it extremely difficult to walk back.

The Liberals, once in Opposition, will try to portray the Conservatives as a sell-out if they walk back. That’s the major apprehension in Delhi.

Although Delhi has had communication channels open with other leaders of the Opposition and Liberal party, this scorched earth policy that Trudeau adopted in the last few years has queered the pitch in a fundamental way.

Rising tensions with India

Tensions between India and Canada have been rising since September 2023, when Trudeau accused India of being involved in the killing of Khalistan terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Nijjar was shot outside a Sikh temple in Canada, and India dismissed the accusation as "absurd." Trudeau's claims that India supports criminal activities have sparked strong criticism both within Canada and internationally.

The allegations by Trudeau then led to a big diplomatic fallout as India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its ambassador to Ottawa after Canada tried to question Indian officials as "persons of interest" in the Nijjar case. Pro-Khalistan activities in Canada, including an attack on a Hindu temple near Toronto, only worsened the situation between the two countries.

Possible causes behind Trudeau's downfall

Trudeau has long been a prominent figure on the global stage, known for his progressive policies and charismatic leadership. He drew attention with his commitment to social justice, environmental responsibility, and immigration reform, one of the biggest reasons for his downfall.

During his nearly decade-long tenure, Trudeau championed several causes that reflected his liberal base. Trudeau voiced strong support for immigration at a time when many nations were tightening their borders, and advocated for diversity and gender equality, appointing a Cabinet with equal representation of men and women. Justin Trudeau also made history by legalizing cannabis.

However, his attempts to balance economic growth with environmental preservation faced criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Trudeau imposed a carbon tax and intervened to revive a stalled pipeline expansion project, aimed at boosting Alberta's oil exports to international markets.

Apart from surging immigration, Trudeau has become unpopular with voters in recent years over a range of other issues, including the soaring cost of food and housing.

Canadians have been frustrated by the rising cost of living and other issues like immigration increases following the country's emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic, even though fewer people died from the novel virus in Canada than elsewhere and his government provided massive financial support.

Trump's threat to raise tariffs

The political upheaval for Justin Trudeau comes amid US President-elect Donald Trump threatening to impose 25 % tariffs on all Canadian goods if the government does not stem what Trump calls a flow of migrants and drugs in the US — even though far fewer of each cross into the US from Canada than from Mexico, which Trump has also threatened.

Canada is a major exporter of oil and natural gas to the US, which also relies on its northern neighbor for steel, aluminum, and autos.

Trudeau has kept publicly mum in recent weeks, despite intensifying pressure for him to step down.

“His long silence following this political drama speaks volumes about the weakness of his current position,” news agency Associated Press quoted Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal as saying.