Justin Trudeau to resign as PM, Liberal leader: Key employee takeaways

What happened?

Justin Trudeau announced that he’s stepping down as prime minister and the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Speaking to reporters outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Trudeau said the Governor General has granted his request for Parliament to be prorogued until March 24.

“I can’t carry the Liberal standard into the next [federal] election,” he said.

The outgoing prime minister said he will resign once a new Liberal leader is selected.

Trudeau’s resignation comes shortly after Chrystia Freeland, his former second-in-command, stepped down in December.

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Opposition’s reaction

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre posted his response to the bombshell announcement on X (formerly Twitter) — calling for a “carbon tax election” as soon as possible.

Nothing has changed.

Every Liberal MP and Leadership contender supported EVERYTHING Trudeau did for 9 years, and now they want to trick voters by swapping in another Liberal face to keep ripping off Canadians for another 4 years, just like Justin.

The only way to fix what… pic.twitter.com/YnNYANTs1y

— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) January 6, 2025

Thinking about resigning? Review these resources first

• Resignations in Ontario: Rights for non-union workers
• What Albertans need to know about resignations
• Resigning in B.C.: What non-unionized employees need to know
• Pocket Employment Lawyer: Real-time insights on your rights

Workplace issue? Contact us

Since 2007, the experienced employment law team at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP has helped tens of thousands of non-unionized individuals resolve their workplace issues.

Whether you’re in Ontario, Alberta, or B.C., our lawyers can review your situation, enforce your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article are for general informational purposes only and DO NOT constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a legal representative at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.