Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau is expected to announce that he will resign as Liberal Party Leader
Liberal Party Leader Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his plans to step down, according to three sources on Sunday, as he faces internal dissent and poor public opinion polls suggesting Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives could achieve a landslide victory.
The sources, who were not authorized to speak publicly, indicated they do not know precisely when Trudeau will make his announcement but believe it will happen before a crucial national caucus meeting on Wednesday. One source, who recently spoke with Trudeau, said he recognizes the need to announce his decision prior to the meeting to avoid the perception that he was forced out by his own MPs.
Uncertainty remains about how the Liberal Party will proceed in replacing Trudeau. The sources said it is unclear whether he will step down immediately or stay on as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen. The Liberal Party's national executive, responsible for leadership decisions, is expected to convene after the caucus session later this week.
On Friday, it was reported that Trudeau’s advisers are exploring ways for him to remain Prime Minister while a new leader is selected. A separate source suggested Trudeau might stay in his role until a leadership race concludes, though this decision has yet to be finalized.
Some Liberal MPs, including Alberta MP George Chahal, have voiced support for appointing an interim leader. Chahal wrote a letter to his colleagues last week advocating for this approach. However, Trudeau has reportedly discussed the possibility of Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc serving as interim leader, though this may not be feasible if LeBlanc intends to run for the leadership himself.
A leadership race, which could take three to four months according to the party’s constitution, would require Trudeau to request prorogation of Parliament from Governor-General Mary Simon—a step constitutional experts caution is not guaranteed. The timing is further complicated by an upcoming vote on March 28 to secure government funding, which could take place before any prorogation request.
Adding to the pressure, Chrystia Freeland’s abrupt resignation as finance minister and deputy prime minister on Dec. 16 reignited calls for Trudeau’s departure. Freeland resigned on the day she was scheduled to deliver her fiscal update, citing frustration with spending measures like the GST holiday and $250 rebates, as well as concerns about the government’s handling of potential tariffs from the incoming Trump administration.
Regional Liberal caucuses in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec—representing 131 of the party's 153 seats—have signaled waning support for Trudeau’s leadership. Following Freeland’s resignation, Trudeau informed MPs that he would reflect on his future. However, his inner circle made it clear ahead of the holiday break that no decisions would be announced during that period.