Sources suggest Justin Trudeau may relinquish his position as leader of the Liberal Party due to internal policy disagreements.
Reuters reported Sunday, citing unnamed sources, that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to resign this week.
This anticipated resignation follows mounting pressure from within the Liberal Party and disagreements over policy with cabinet colleagues.
While a final decision remains unconfirmed, according to a source who spoke to the agency. The Globe and Mail earlier reported that Trudeau might announce his departure as Liberal Party leader as early as Monday, after nine years in office.
The Globe and Mail report does not clarify whether Trudeau would immediately vacate the Prime Minister’s office or remain until a successor is chosen.
The Liberal Party is scheduled to meet this week to address the leadership transition.
Trudeau’s potential departure raises questions regarding the Liberal Party’s leadership in the lead-up to the federal election, mandated by late October.
Trudeau, who assumed power in 2015, led the Liberals to victory in 2019 and 2021.
His first two terms saw Senate reforms, a new trade agreement with the United States, and the introduction of a carbon tax to curb Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions.
His tenure also included the legalization of cannabis, a public inquiry into missing and murdered Indigenous women, and the passage of legislation enabling medically assisted suicide.
Recent polls show the Liberals trailing the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre. Rising inflation and criticism of government policies have prompted opposition leaders and some Liberal MPs to urge him against seeking a fourth term.
This anticipated resignation follows several challenges to Trudeau’s leadership. In December, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned amid disagreements over the government’s fiscal strategy in response to planned US tariffs.
President-elect Donald Trump imposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports in November, creating economic and political tension.
In an attempt to prevent a trade war, Trudeau visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago that month, but his efforts seem to have been unsuccessful.
Following the meeting, Trump used social media to deride Trudeau, repeatedly referring to him as the “governor” of Canada and suggesting that Canada becoming the 51st US state would be a “great idea.”