Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned as PM and leader of the Liberal Party.
Trudeau announced his decision and prorogated parliament in Ottawa during a Jan. 6 press conference.
"Despite best efforts, parliament has been paralyzed for months," stated Trudeau. "That is why 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."
Trudeau explained he had spent the holidays reflecting on his future after 9 years as Canada's Prime Minister. Meanwhile, he stated he had long talks with his family about his future. He credits his success to their support and encouragement.
"Last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision I am sharing with you today," said Trudeau. "I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister after the party selects its next leader."
"This country deserves a real choice in the next election and it's become clear to me, that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election," stated Trudeau.
He spoke highly of his time in office.
"We got elected in 2015 to fight for the middle class, and that is exactly what we have done over the past years," said Trudeau. "We reduced their taxes, we increased the benefits to families, we made sure the economy was focused on working for everyone and not just a few."
Additionally, Trudeau says their actions have dropped poverty rates, brought more people into the workforce and moved the country forward on reconciliation.
He also reflected on the fact he probably has many regrets, but highlighted one specifically.
"I do wish we had been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country," reflected Trudeau. "So that people could simply choose a second choice or a third choice on the same ballot."
He believes that would have allowed Canadians to look for things they have in common instead of polarizing and dividing. He ultimately decided they couldn't change the way voting was done unilaterally.
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party of Canada issued a statement regarding the announcement titled, "This changes nothing."
"Every Liberal MP in power today and every potential Liberal leadership contender fighting for the top job helped Justin Trudeau break the country over the last 9 years. All Liberal politicians actively worked to pass into law the job-killing, inflationary carbon tax—a tax that Carbon Tax Carney endorsed in his book," stated Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre in the release.
He continued his attack with the following.
"(They) all supported a law quadrupling the tax over the next five years. All voted for or actively supported Trudeau’s out-of-control spending, debt and immigration. All passed Trudeau’s housing policies that doubled the cost of homes," stated Poilievre.
"All Liberal politicians helped pass catch-and-release bail and house arrest for the most rampant reoffenders, policies that increased violent crime 50 per cent, gun crime 116 per cent and hate crime by 250 per cent."
As this is a breaking story, we will have more local reaction in the coming days.
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