When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Jan. 6 his plans to resign as prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party of Canada following a leadership contest, the news did not come as a surprise.
Trudeau鈥檚 popularity has been steadily waning, with a particular drop in 2024 among Canadians in general as well as from within his own party.
In polls conducted over the past year, the Liberal Party of Canada has received the support of fewer than 30 per cent of those surveyed, often receiving less than 25 per cent support.
By contrast, the Conservative Party of Canada, under the leadership of MP Pierre Poilievre, has been gaining support. In most polls taken in 2024, the party had support from more than 40 per cent of those surveyed.
Internally, a growing number of voices within the Liberal Party had also been calling on Trudeau to step down.
While Trudeau enjoyed a majority government during his first time as prime minister from 2015 to 2019, the next two elections returned minority Liberal governments. In both those elections, the Conservatives received a marginally greater share of voter support than the Liberals, with both parties receiving around one-third of the popular vote.
Since the 2021 federal election, the poll numbers have changed. The Conservatives have picked up popularity, while the Liberals have lagged.
This shows a significant and growing dissatisfaction with the leadership of Canada鈥檚 governing party.
Something has had to change.
Trudeau has met with Gov. Gen. Mary Simon and she has agreed to his request to prorogue Parliament until March 24. This allows for some time for the party to make some important decisions about its short-term and long-term future.
And, as an election is on the horizon in 2025, this will allow the federal parties some time to position themselves for the days and years to come.
Canada has ongoing internal issues to address. In addition, recent comments from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump have taken aim at Canada鈥檚 sovereignty, with repeated suggestions that the United States should bring in Canada as the 51st state.
If Canada appears to be a house divided, it will be difficult if not impossible to address these and other challenges.
鈥� Black Press
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