Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took a big decision to resign from his post on Monday. This step was taken amid increasing pressure within his party and political crisis arising out of his statements against India. Trudeau’s resignation has raised many questions on Canada’s political position, as he had become a victim of criticism due to his controversial stance on India.
Justin Trudeau is the son of former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and became the leader of the Liberal Party in 2013. In 2015, he took oath as Prime Minister for the first time and since then he has led his party in three elections. However, it has been increasingly challenging for Trudeau to remain in power. His party got 184 seats in the 2015 elections, but his party’s performance weakened in 2019 and 2021, with the number of seats falling to 157 and 158 respectively. At present his party has 153 MPs.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was born on Christmas night into Canada’s first family. Trudeau’s parents divorced when he was only six years old, and his mother, Margaret, was 29 years younger than her husband and the daughter of Liberal MP James Sinclair. Thereafter, he was raised alone by his father, who led the country for 15 years as Prime Minister of Canada.
Struggle from political career to personal life
Even before Trudeau became the Prime Minister of Canada, his life journey was full of ups and downs. Before joining politics, he also worked as a teacher and night club bouncer. The experience gave him the opportunity to connect with different sections of the society.
However, there were problems in his personal life also. Trudeau and his wife Sophie divorced in August 2023. Both of them had signed a legal separation agreement after 18 years of marriage. His father Pierre Trudeau also separated from his wife in 1979 and got divorced in 1984.
‘Deserves a better option…’
Justin Trudeau said Canada deserves a better option for the next election. I am not that option. If I have to fight the battle in my own home, then I understand that I am not a good option at all for the 2025 elections. But I am a fighter and my fight will continue.
Trudeau surrounded by his own party
The voice of rebellion has intensified in Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party. Many high profile MPs of the party, including Sian Casey and Ken Macdonald, have publicly expressed their opinion against Justin Trudeau. These MPs have termed the statements and decisions of their Prime Minister as wrong. Questions have been raised on his leadership. The party is putting pressure on Trudeau to leave the post of PM. According to some international reports, at least 20 MPs of the Liberal Party have signed a petition demanding the resignation of Justin Trudeau from the post of Prime Minister.
Did campaigning against India prove costly?
Political tension between India and Canada started in September 2023. Justin Trudeau accused Indian involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Nijjar was shot outside a Sikh temple in Canada. India rejected these allegations outright and asked for evidence from Canada. But the Trudeau government did not provide any evidence despite repeated requests. Since then, tension between New Delhi and Ottawa continued to increase.
Impact on the economy: Donald Trump’s policies
Justin Trudeau’s government also faced many problems on the economic front. Especially due to the policies of Donald Trump, Canada may have to face new economic challenges. Trump had planned to impose heavy taxes on products coming from Canada, which could have a negative impact on trade relations between the two countries. Since 80% of Canada’s exports go to the US, Trump’s tariff policy is a threat to Canada’s economy. This could prove to be a big shock. Additionally, Trump puts additional pressure on Canada, which may also increase trade tensions.