Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as both Liberal Party Leader and Prime Minister, along with a prorogation of parliament until March 24, 2025. Trudeau, who has led the country since 2015, cited the need for a “reset” to address pressing domestic and international challenges facing Canada.

The Liberal Party is now on a 90-day clock to elect a new leader. Current Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney have emerged as frontrunners for the leadership position. Trudeau expressed confidence that his successor would continue to champion the values that unite Canadians while navigating the challenges ahead.

Meanwhile, opposition parties have warned of a vote of non-confidence if parliament reconvenes as planned on January 27. Such a scenario could push Canada into a federal election as early as spring 2025, further complicating the political landscape.

Observers note that Trudeau’s departure marks the end of a significant era in Canadian politics, but his decision leaves the Liberals with a steep hill to climb in retaining public trust. As the leadership race unfolds, Canadians and their neighbors to the south will be closely watching how the next chapter of governance shapes the nation.

This announcement comes at a time when Canada’s relationship with the United States is under scrutiny. Recent discussions between Trudeau and President-elect Donald Trump reportedly focused on trade agreements and energy cooperation. Trump has highlighted the need for a stable Canadian government to ensure smooth collaboration on these critical issues, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the two nations’ economies.