[UPDATED]: Justin Trudeau resigns as Canadian Prime Minister after hit by low approval ratings

[UPDATED]: Justin Trudeau resigns as Canadian Prime Minister after 9 years on the job

By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor

Justin Trudeau on Monday announced his resignation as Canadian Prime Minister in fear of low public opinion poll numbers which show him likely unable to lead his party to victory in the election that must hold by October this year, a fact he himself acknowledged in his resignation speech before the media in Ottawa.

He confirmed speculation of his resignation reported by news outlets around the world – including TheNiche – earlier on Monday, but explained he would remain in office in a caretaker capacity until a new leader is chosen.

CNN reports Trudeau said he “fought for this country” over his nearly 10-year premiership, after he announced his resignation as the ruling Liberal party leader.

“Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I have been inspired by the resilience, generosity and the determination of Canadians,” he told journalists on Monday. “I have fought for this country, for you.”

Trudeau listed his administration’s support for Ukraine and his policy during the Covid-19 pandemic, as being among his greatest achievements since he took power in 2015.

“We rallied to support each other through the pandemic … to stand strong with Ukraine, and our democracy, to fight climate change, and to get our economy ready for the future,” he added. “We are at a critical moment in the world.”

Trudeau shares his “one regret”

Trudeau told the press outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa that he has “one regret” as he announced he intends to resign – and that is the country’s election process.

“If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election – well, probably many regrets that I will think of,” Trudeau said. “But I do wish we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country so that people could simply choose a second choice, or a third choice on the same ballot.”

Canadian parliament suspended while a new leader is chosen

Trudeau announced that the country’s parliament will be suspended until March 24 while a new leader is chosen.

“Parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history,” he said.

“This morning, I advised the Governor General that we need a new session of parliament. She has granted this request, and the House will now be prorogued until March 24.

“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its new leader,” the 53-year-old told reporters.

“As you all know, I am a fighter, and I am not someone who backs away from a fight, particularly when a fight is as important as this one is.

“But I have always been driven by my love for Canada, by my desire to serve Canadians and by what is in the best of Canadians and Canadians deserve a real choice in the next election.

“And it has become obvious to me – with the internal battles – that I cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election.”

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