Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is reportedly preparing to resign as early as Monday, according to a report by The Globe and Mail on Sunday night. The publication, citing three anonymous sources, revealed that Trudeau's decision may come ahead of a scheduled national caucus meeting on Wednesday.
This unexpected development follows a difficult stretch for the Liberal Party leader, whose popularity has plummeted amid mounting economic woes and political setbacks. Canada, facing a housing crisis, declining per-capita GDP, and persistent high inflation, has seen growing discontent with the government’s handling of these issues.
Plummeting Approval Ratings
A recent poll conducted by Angus Reid placed Trudeau’s disapproval rating at 68% as of December 24, with only 28% of Canadians expressing support for him. The numbers mark a dramatic fall for the prime minister, who first came to power in 2015 riding a wave of optimism and promises of change.
Trudeau’s potential departure also comes ahead of a national election scheduled for October 20, raising questions about the Liberal Party’s leadership and electoral prospects in the face of public dissatisfaction.
Months of Political Turmoil
The prime minister has endured a series of challenges in recent months. In September, he survived a no-confidence vote initiated by the Conservative Party, though the attempt underscored growing tensions within Parliament.
Adding to his troubles, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, once considered a key ally, resigned from Trudeau’s cabinet in mid-December. Freeland’s resignation letter signaled deep divisions within the government, citing irreconcilable disagreements over Canada’s fiscal direction.
"For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada," Freeland wrote. She warned of potential economic storms ahead, calling for "reserves we may need for a coming tariff war."
Trudeau also faces mounting pressure from the New Democratic Party (NDP), led by Jagmeet Singh. Singh announced plans to present a formal motion of no-confidence later this month, asserting that the Liberal government had outlived its mandate.
"No matter who is leading the Liberal Party, this government’s time is up," Singh declared in late December.
Personal Controversies and Public Backlash
Adding fuel to the fire, Trudeau’s personal decisions have sparked widespread criticism. In November, he faced backlash for attending a Taylor Swift concert in Toronto while violent protests unfolded in Montreal.
Don Stewart, a Conservative MP from Toronto, took to social media to denounce the prime minister’s actions.
"Lawless protesters run roughshod over Montreal in violent protest. The Prime Minister dances," Stewart wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "Bring back law and order, safe streets and communities in the Canada we once knew and loved."
Trudeau later condemned the Montreal riots, calling them “appalling.” However, the incident further damaged his image, with critics accusing him of being disconnected from Canadians’ concerns.
What’s Next for Canada?
Trudeau’s resignation, if confirmed, would usher in a period of political uncertainty as the Liberal Party scrambles to find new leadership. With just months before a federal election, the party will face an uphill battle to regain public trust.
Having led the country for nearly a decade, Trudeau’s tenure has been marked by both progressive reforms and polarizing controversies. His departure could signal the end of an era for the Liberal Party—and the beginning of a contentious new chapter in Canadian politics.
