Justin Trudeau steps down as Canada’s Prime Minister, Liberal Party leader

• Canadian Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader announces resignation after nearly a decade in power
• His resignation follows poor polling and calls from MPs to step aside for the party’s renewal
• Trudeau suspends parliament until March to facilitate the leadership transition

Canada’s 53-year-old prime minister, Justin Trudeau, has announced his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party and head of government. 

Trudeau, who has led the party since 2013 and served as prime minister since 2015, stated his decision comes in response to political challenges and internal party pressures. 

In a statement in Ottawa on January 6, Trudeau explained that his resignation aims to allow his party to select new leadership amid mounting political deadlock. 

Parliament has been suspended until March as the Liberal Party prepares for a leadership transition.

Trudeau’s decision follows growing dissatisfaction within the Liberal Party. Poor polling performance and internal disagreements have amplified calls for his resignation. 

Chrystia Freeland, the country’s finance minister and deputy prime minister, resigned in December after clashing with Trudeau over policy. 

The disputes reportedly centred on addressing potential tariffs threatened by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, whose administration is set to begin shortly.

Freeland’s departure marked a turning point, triggering intensified demands from Liberal MPs for Trudeau to step aside and allow new leadership to rebuild the party ahead of the next federal election, which must take place by late October. 

Current polls indicate the Liberals are at risk of a significant loss to the opposition Conservatives.

Navigating U.S. relations amid leadership change

Trudeau resigned as Canada grappled with economic uncertainty tied to potential trade tensions with the United States of America. 

President-elect Trump has pledged to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports. 

In November, Trudeau met with Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss border security and trade, but his efforts to mitigate the tariff threat have yet to yield results.

The Liberal Party will soon name an interim leader to act as prime minister until a leadership convention is held to elect Trudeau’s permanent successor. 

Trudeau emphasised his commitment to a smooth transition: “Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians.” 

His resignation marks the end of nearly a decade of leadership and sets the stage for a significant political shift in Canada.

Finidi George resigns as head coach of Nigerian Super Eagles

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Finidi George stepped down from his position as the head coach of the Nigerian Super Eagles. 

His resignation, announced on Saturday, June 15, 2024, came in response to the Nigeria Football Federation's (NFF) decision to appoint a foreign technical adviser.