2025 starts appropriately, Trudeau bids farewell
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
In a sad, sordid sort of way the new year begins in a negative-positive way. Our Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has tossed in his political towel.
Many would suggest it’s way too late, for both Trudeau’s personal and party’s immediate future. Others may suggest some of his recent decisions (or lack thereof) are akin to him stomping on that towel. Regardless – the dye is cast. Justin took the jump.
Certainly, Trudeau has helped drown his political career and his party’s popularity in the process.
Who and what survives the scenario is the real question?
On Monday morning a tear-stained Trudeau told reporters outside his home at Rideau Cottage that he will resign as prime minister and leader of the Liberal party following the now necessary leadership contest. His announcement comes after several months of increasing, aggressive calls from within his own (Liberal) caucus that he step down for the “good of his party”.
Trudeau told media he’d spent time with family during Christmas “feeling reflective” and contemplating his political future. At Sunday evening dinner Justin told family he’d decided it’s time for him to “move on”.
His feelings are shared by millions though not necessarily all in the same light.
According to Castanet Trudeau told media members that, “Canadians know me as a fighter, but they deserve a real choice in the next election. (which will take place later this year). “It has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election,” he said.
His Monday morning media meet marked the first time the prime minister has answered questions from the press since Chrystia Freeland suddenly resigned as his finance minister in early December. When Freeland jumped ship in frustration with Trudeau Ottawa went into a frenzy. If Trudeau’s political career looked to be on edge before then the heat was turned up both inside and outside the Liberal Party.
Trudeau’s decision has set the process and protocol wheels in motion with Gov. Gen. Mary Simon agreeing to prorogue Parliament until March 24. The House of Commons has been paralyzed for months and needs a reset. Proroguing Parliament will put the legislature on pause for months and wipe clear the current slate of legislation, but it will not trigger an election.
The Liberals are now officially in a scramble to find a new leader. On Monday Justin also asked Liberal party president Sachit Mehra Sunday night to launch a leadership race ahead of the next election.
The sharks have already been quietly swimming for a few months however Freeland’s gnashing at the Prime Minster has now opened up the battle grounds. Upon today’s announcement Chrystia Freeland, said, “I thank Justin Trudeau for his years of service to Canada and Canadians. I wish him and his family the very best.” Other potential Liberal Wanna Be Leaders include ‘Carbon Tax’ Mark Carney the well-known economist and banker served as the the governor of the bank of Canada from 2008-2013 and governor of the bank of England from 2013-2020. Carney jumped on the Trudeau moment to launch himself with “thankyou Justin for your leadership, for your many contributions to Canada, and for the sacrifices you and your family have made for public service.”
Another potential candidate includes former BC premier (2011-2017) Christy Clark who thanked Trudeau on Monday. “After a lifetime of public service Justin Trudeau has stepped aside as both Leader of the Liberal Party and Prime Minister of Canada. I want to thank him as a Canadian for his service to the country that he so clearly loves. I wish him and his family well.”
Other glory seekers may include Dominic Blanc lawyer, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, Francois Philippe Champagne, internationals trade specialist, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and Anita Anard, lawyer, Oxford educated academics, Transport Ministry, and Melanie Joly, lawyer, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
There has also been reaction from former ministers who have had public falling-outs with Trudeau. Jody Wilson-Raybould, who had left the party to sit as an independent, posted this:
“Well the PM did not sound like he wanted to go and was sadly not too gracious, but he is going.
“I thank him for his service. And now…we can finally turn the page—and in doing so, we must keep focus on building a stronger Canada in an increasingly volatile and uncertain world. I hope to see an elevation in our discourse beyond petty, toxic partisanship, and a revitalized focus on developing sound public policy to guide our future.”
So the blades are drawn, sharks are circling and Trudeau’s swan song has barely began.
Regardless the wishes of what will be – Liberals have no time to waste and must make a leadership decision quickly and decisively in order to prepare for a federal election come fall.
It may happen a lot faster than that. Count on it.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre says Canadians may be relieved that Trudeau plans to leave office, but “little changes in reality”.
Trudeau made his announcement that he would leave as Prime Minister once a new Liberal leader is chosen. That drew responses from around the country and the world, including the madman below the border. Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. “Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this and resigned. If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be totally secure from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!
Back home in Canada, opposition leaders were less than impressed with Trudeau’s departure announcement.
It’s going to be a long year.
