Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to resign, adding he plans to stay in this role and as Liberal leader until a new party leader is chosen.
His decision to resign comes after months of growing calls for his resignation, which reached their highest level last month after Chrystia Freeland resigned from cabinet as finance minister and deputy prime minister.
Here is the transcript of Trudeau’s remarks:
Justin Trudeau:
“So I thought it would be fun for us to do this again.” Every morning I wake up as Prime Minister. I was inspired by the resilience, generosity and determination of Canadians. It is the driving force of every day I have the privilege of serving in this position. This is why since 2015, I have been fighting for this country, so that you strengthen and develop the middle class. Why we came together to support each other during the pandemic, to advance reconciliation, to defend free trade on this continent, to stand strong alongside Ukraine and our democracy, to fight climate change and prepare our economy for the future. We are at a critical moment in the world.
My friends, as you all know, I am a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians, I care deeply about this country and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians. And the fact is, despite all efforts to resolve this problem, Parliament has been paralyzed for months after what was the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history. That is why this morning I informed the Governor General that we need a new session of Parliament. She granted this request and the House will now be prorogued until March 24.
During the holidays, I also had the opportunity to reflect and have long discussions with my family about our future. Throughout my career, every success I have personally achieved is due to their support and encouragement. So last night over dinner I talked to my kids about the decision I’m sharing with you today. I intend to resign as party leader, Prime Minister, once the party has chosen its next leader through a robust national competitive process. Last night, I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin this process. This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I have to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in this election.
Receive national news daily
Get the day’s top news, politics, business and current affairs headlines delivered to your inbox once a day.
The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and our democracy. A new Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party will carry his values and ideals into the next election. I look forward to watching the process unfold in the coming months. We were elected for the third time in 2021 to strengthen the post-pandemic economy and advance Canada’s interests in a complicated world, and that is exactly the work I and we will continue to do for Canadians.
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.