Justin Trudeau delivered an emotional farewell speech on Sunday during a Liberal Party conference, officially closing the chapter on his nearly nine-year tenure.
Despite a turbulent final stretch in office, Trudeau was met with cheers and applause from party members as he reflected on his time leading the country.
"I’m damn proud of what we’ve accomplished together," he told the crowd.
Trudeau resigned on January 6, following months of political and economic pressures that saw his approval ratings plummet, particularly in comparison to Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, as reported by Euronews.
Polls showed Trudeau falling behind by a double-digit margin, amid widespread frustration over economic stagnation, cost of living, and a sense that the country had lost direction.
Tensions also grew within the Liberal Party, as internal critics pushed for a change in leadership. Trudeau chose to remain in office temporarily until a successor is named—a decision expected to be formalized Sunday evening.
Trudeau's Successor
The party is widely expected to select Mark Carney, former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, as its new leader—and by extension, Canada’s next prime minister.
Carney, 59, has a reputation for crisis management, having helped steer Canada through the 2008 global financial crisis, and later earning bipartisan respect in the UK during his tenure at the Bank of England.
His leadership comes at a critical moment, as Canada faces domestic economic pressure and growing concerns over geopolitical stability, including the economic threats posed by a potential second Trump presidency.
In his final address, Trudeau urged his party to stay united and warned that the Liberal Party’s role was more vital than ever.
"Canada needs you now more than ever," he said, pointing to international instability, challenges to the rules-based global order, and growing polarization at home.
A general election must be held by October 20, but the exact timeline is still uncertain. Either the new Liberal leader could call one, or opposition parties could force an early vote with a no-confidence motion in Parliament.
