Justin Trudeau: Canada's long-serving Liberal PM bids adieu

In defeating seasoned politicians such as the Conservative Party's Stephen Harper and Social Democrat Thomas Mulcair, Trudeau disproved critics who had dismissed him as a privileged scion lacking political depth.

His leadership marked a new chapter in Canadian politics, grounded in inclusivity and progressive values. He showed that he could take big decisions, such as withdrawing Canadian aircraft from the US-led international coalition against Islamic State (IS), thus fulfilling a campaign promise. 

He legalised cannabis for recreational use, welcomed Syrian refugees to the country, renegotiated an important trade agreement between the US, Mexico, and Canada, supported the Paris Agreement on climate change (that Trump withdrew from) and implemented measures to combat global warming.

Born into politics

Born on Christmas Day in 1971, he was raised in a Catholic household and initially lived in the official residence of the prime minister with his father and two younger brothers, Michel and Alexander (in 1998, at the age of 23, Michel died in an avalanche while skiing in British Columbia). 

His parents separated when Justin was six, and after his father's first term of office ended, the family moved to Montreal, where Justin completed his schooling. Although he had several other interests, his childhood was largely dominated by politics, given that his grandfather, Jimmy, had also been a minister in the 1950s.

Trudeau's entry into politics was, therefore, both natural and expected. In 2005, he married childhood sweetheart Sophie Grégoire, a radio and television anchor, only separating in 2023. They have three children. It is clear from Trudeau's comments that family is hugely important to him.

He began as a teacher in Vancouver, where he taught French and mathematics, before entering politics, where he focused on youth empowerment, the environment, education, and economic issues. From 2002-07, he chaired a youth development programme (Katimavik) founded by his father.

In 2006, he was appointed director of the Liberal Party's Youth Committee. That year, he publicly supported certain party candidates, leading to rumours that he would run. In 2007, he did, securing the Liberal nomination for the Papineau district in Montreal, a seat he won in 2008 and held in 2011.

Becoming the incumbent

He joined the party's shadow cabinet in 2009 and served in the Opposition during Conservative politician Stephen Harper's premiership. In 2012, he declared that he would run for leadership of the Liberal Party, which he won in 2013. In 2015, he led the Liberals to victory in the national election.

Trudeau's first term as prime minister was marred by controversies, including accusations of fraud and scandals over corruption. It tarnished his reputation, but in 2019, he led the Liberals to another federal election victory, albeit a narrow one, which led him to form a minority government. 

That was repeated in 2021 when he entered an agreement with New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh. This allowed Trudeau to advance his agenda, particularly on healthcare and climate action, but also meant that he had to balance his parties with those of his more progressive partner. 

Throughout his leadership, Trudeau faced economic challenges, including inflation and rising housing costs, issues on which the Conservative Party seized. In September 2024, Singh said his party would end its alliance with Trudeau and withdrew four NDP ministers from the cabinet.

Death by a thousand cuts

He did so with sharp personal criticism of Trudeau, who Singh said had "proven time and time again that he succumbs to pressure from corporate CEOs (chief executive officers)," adding: "He has let people down and doesn't deserve another chance. The Liberals are too weak, too selfish, and too close to the super-rich to fight for the people."

The end of the Liberal-NDP agreement heightened the likelihood of an imminent election in which the Liberal Party may not feel confident, having suffered significant losses in 2024 by-elections, including two parliamentary seats in traditional strongholds (Toronto and Montreal)—a big blow to Trudeau.

His government recently suffered several high-profile resignations. In September, transport minister Pablo Rodriguez left to run for the leadership of Quebec's Liberal Party. In November, Randy Boissonnault resigned after falsely claiming indigenous ancestry. Trudeau's initial support cost him political capital. In December, housing minister Sean Fraser resigned, citing family reasons.

When allies attack

In December, Chrystia Freeland, Trudeau's deputy and finance minister, also announced her resignation. This was unexpected, as was the manner of it. She cited Canada's looming economic difficulties, particularly Donald Trump's threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. But she also took aim at her boss.

"We must keep our fiscal powder dry today to ensure we have the reserves needed for a potential tariff war," she said. "This also means avoiding costly political gimmicks that we can ill afford and that undermine Canadians' confidence in our ability to grasp the gravity of the moment."

It was a thinly veiled critique of Trudeau's proposal to freeze taxes on some goods and services for two months and distribute C$250 ($175) to more than 18 million Canadians. It left Trudeau with a crucial vacancy at a time of mounting political and economic pressures and prompted a major cabinet reshuffle, but Singh was not finished. 

"Justin Trudeau has failed in the biggest responsibility of a Prime Minister: to work for the people, not the powerful," said Trudeau's former ally. Singh added that the NDP "will vote to bring this government down and give Canadians the opportunity to elect a government that works for them". Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also said he would work to convene a vote of confidence.

Writing on the wall

Given the circumstances, it became inevitable that Trudeau would resign, which he did on 6 January. To some political observers, he has led a charmed life politically. In 2019, Time magazine published a photo of him in 2001 wearing blackface (from 2001). He apologised but didn't resign.

That same year, Canada's ethics commissioner reprimanded and fined Trudeau in relation to pressure applied to Attorney General Jody Wilson-Raybould to settle a criminal case involving engineering giant SNC-Lavalin. A year later, in 2020, he faced another scandal over a huge government contract awarded to an organisation from which members of his family received payments. 

In 2023, there was more trouble when Yaroslav Hunka, a 98-year-old Ukrainian veteran, was invited to Canada's Parliament during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit. It was later revealed that Hunka served in the 14th Waffen Grenadier Division of the SS, a Nazi unit involved in atrocities against Jews, Poles, and others. Trudeau said he was unaware. 

His government also faced scrutiny over a scandal involving the $1bn Sustainable Development Technology Canada fund (dubbed by critics as the 'Green Corruption Fund'). It was cancelled after the state's auditor-general uncovered conflicts of interest and the allocation of millions of dollars to ineligible recipients and non-green projects.

An enviable record

Despite these blemishes, Trudeau's record is one of accomplishments. He brought in gun control, supported infrastructure development, authorised military aid to Ukraine, and signed a Canada-EU free trade agreement in 2016, which cut tariffs, boosted trade and investment, and created new opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic. 

He has also prioritised environmental issues, increased immigration, initiated refugee resettlement programmes, and championed women's rights and gender equality, appointing women to key positions, all of which have enhanced Canada's reputation as a champion for human rights and climate action.

Whoever Canada's 24th prime minister turns out to be, their immediate predecessor will remain one of the country's best-known names at home and abroad after a lifetime in the political spotlight. At the age of 53, it is unlikely that he is finished. Just as Pierre governed again, so might Justin.