Justin Trudeau’s Resignation: What’s Next in Canadian Politics

Justin Trudeau has decided to step down as Canada’s Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party.

This raises the question: what lies ahead?

Trudeau stated that the Governor General has accepted his request to suspend Parliament, halting all debates and voting. However, Parliament will not be dissolved.

This suspension will remain in effect until March 24. During this time, the Liberal Party will elect a new leader, a process that typically takes about four months.

On Monday, the Liberal Party President announced that a “nationwide democratic process” will be used to select the new leader. However, no further details were provided.

In Canada, federal leaders are chosen during party conventions where party members vote to elect their leader. But even after Parliament resumes on March 24, the newly elected Liberal leader may not hold power for long.

The Conservative Party currently enjoys a double-digit lead in public opinion polls and has been attempting for months to bring a vote of no confidence in the House of Commons to trigger elections.

These elections are technically scheduled for October, but the Conservatives are expected to make another attempt to pass a no-confidence motion in March.

If a government loses a confidence vote in the House, it is expected to resign or dissolve Parliament, leading to the process of federal elections.

Let’s look at a few potential candidates expected to run for Liberal leadership.

Former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland

One of the strongest contenders to succeed Justin Trudeau is Chrystia Freeland, a former Deputy Prime Minister and MP from Toronto.

She has long been regarded as a trusted senior official in Canadian politics. However, disagreements with the Prime Minister’s Office led to her recent and unexpected resignation in December.

Her publicly shared resignation letter, which criticized Trudeau, is believed to have added pressure on the Prime Minister and contributed to his decision to step down.

Freeland was born in Alberta to a Ukrainian mother. At 56, she transitioned into politics after a career in journalism.

She joined the House of Commons in 2013 and became part of Trudeau’s cabinet in 2015 with a trade brief. As Foreign Minister, she helped renegotiate the free trade agreement with the U.S. and Mexico.

Later, she was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, becoming the first woman to hold this position. She managed Canada’s financial affairs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While resigning last month, she criticized Trudeau for not taking a stronger stance against Donald Trump’s tariff threats on Canadian goods.

A 2019 Globe and Mail profile described her as someone viewed by some as the “last hope for liberalism” and by others as “out of touch with reality.”

She has been a staunch supporter of Ukraine, which has earned her praise but also criticism. Even Trump recently referred to her as “toxic.”

Mark Carney: A Promising Candidate

Trudeau has acknowledged that he has long wanted Mark Carney on his team, especially as Finance Minister.

During the NATO conference in July 2024, Trudeau remarked, “Carney would be a tremendous addition, especially when Canada needs good people in politics.”

Carney, 59, who has recently been working as Trudeau’s advisor, is considered a strong candidate for the Prime Minister’s position.

Despite never holding public office, Carney’s economic credentials are impressive. A Harvard graduate, he has served as the head of central banks in Canada and the UK.

His extensive experience makes him a formidable contender in the upcoming leadership race.