Audio By Carbonatix
Justin Trudeau has said he will step down as prime minister of Canada and leader of the governing Liberal party after nine years in office.
He announced his resignation in a speech outside his Rideau Cottage residence in Ottawa on Monday, speaking in both English and French.
Here is his full statement in English.
Every morning I've woken up as prime minister, I've been inspired by the resilience, generosity, and determination of Canadians. It is the driving force of every single day I have the privilege of serving in this office.
That is why, since 2015, I have fought for this country - for you - to strengthen and grow the middle class.
Why have we rallied to support each other through the pandemic, to advance reconciliation, to defend free trade on this continent, and to stand strong with Ukraine and our democracy?
And to fight climate change and get our economy ready 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 best efforts to work through it, parliament has been paralysed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history.
That's why, this morning I advised the governor general that we need a new session of parliament. She has granted this request and the house will now be prorogued until 24 March.
Over the holidays, I've also had a chance to reflect and have had long talks with my family about our future.
Throughout the course of my career, any success I have personally achieved has been because of their support and with their encouragement.
So last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision that I'm sharing with you today.
I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process. Last night I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process.
This country deserves a real choice in the next election and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.
The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and democracy. A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into that next election.
I am excited to see the process unfold in the months ahead.
We were elected for the third time in 2021 to strengthen the economy post-pandemic and advance Canada's interests in a complicated world, and that is exactly the job that I, and we, will continue to do for Canadians.
Latest Stories
-
Ice baths, almond milk, meditation and a ‘house like a hospital’: The secrets of Salah’s success
34 minutes -
This Saturday on Prime Insight: GN Savings and Loans licence restoration and the Abronye bail debate
2 hours -
Putin vows retaliation after accusing Ukraine of hitting student dormitory
2 hours -
2026 ACI World Congress: In Accra, a quiet reframe of how emerging markets see themselves
2 hours -
No break-in, no theft at Ashaiman showroom – Hisense Ghana clarifies
3 hours -
This Saturday on Newsfile: Attack on free speech and return of GN Bank
3 hours -
Opinion: The evidence before High Court continues to expose weakness of the Republic’s case against Wontumi
3 hours -
Ebola risk raised to ‘very high’ in DR Congo
3 hours -
I recommended Haruna and Muntaka for ministerial roles — Asiedu Nketia
3 hours -
The Cost of Macroeconomic Stabilization: An Analysis of the Bank ofGhana’s 2025 Financial Deficit
4 hours -
Isaac Nlason elected SRC President of the Ghana School of Law
4 hours -
Haruna Iddrisu takes a subtle jibe at Asiedu Nketia’s ‘Thank You Tour’
4 hours -
GSA, PTB donate 50 calibrated weighing scales to Techiman traders on World Metrology Day
4 hours -
US says temporary visa holders should leave to apply for Green Cards
4 hours -
Asiedu Nketia pledges stronger welfare support for former NDC executives
5 hours