Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivers remarks during a National Caucus holiday event in Ottawa, on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is addressing media this morning from his residence in Ottawa as a growing number of his MPs call for his resignation.
He says he will step down once his party selects a new leader.
This is his first planned news conference in the three weeks since Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as finance minister and deputy prime minister, which rocked Trudeau’s government and ignited an even bigger push for him to step aside.
Here’s the latest (all times Eastern):
11:18 a.m.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says if he has one regret about his time in office it’s that he did not change the electoral rules when he had the chance.
He says if those changes were implemented, people would look for things they have in common instead of trying to “polarize and divide Canadians,” but that his party could not unilaterally change those rules.
Trudeau was asked by reporters if his decision in December to remove Chrystia Freeland as finance minister and her subsequent resignation was the catalyst for his departure.
He says Freeland has been by his side for nearly 10 years, calling her an “incredible pollical partner” who he hoped would have agreed to continue serving in his government.
Before Trudeau began speaking to reporters this morning, his prepared speech blew away in the wind.
11:09 a.m.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he intends to resign as party leader and prime minister after his party elects a new leader.
He says Gov. Gen. Mary Simon granted his request to prorogue Parliament, saying the House of Commons will not sit until March 24.
Trudeau says he came to the decision to resign after speaking with his family over the holidays, and that part of the reason was so Canadians have a “real choice” in the next election.
Citing “internal battles” within his caucus, Trudeau says he is not the best option for that race, despite being a “fighter” who is driven by his love for Canada and his desire to serve Canadians.
8:56 a.m.
The Prime Minister’s Office notifies the Parliamentary Press Gallery that Trudeau “will be making an announcement and answering questions from the media” outside his home, Rideau Cottage, at 10:45 a.m.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 6, 2025.
