Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Resigns: ‘If I’m Having to Fight Internal Battles, I Cannot Be the Best Option’ in Upcoming Election

variety.com:

Ellise Shafer Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as the head of the country’s Liberal Party and therefore as PM, though he will remain in the position until a new leader is chosen. “I am a fighter.

Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians, I care deeply about this country and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians,” Trudeau said during a press conference on Monday. “The fact is, despite best efforts to work through it, parliament has been paralyzed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history.” Trudeau continued to say that he advised the governor general this morning to begin a new session of parliament, meaning that the house will be prorogued until March 24.

Over the holidays, Trudeau said he discussed the decision with his family and informed his children last night at the dinner table. “I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process.

Last night, I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process,” he said. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.” Canada’s Globe and Mail first reported on Sunday that Trudeau, who has led Canada’s Liberal Party since 2013 and held the prime minister position since 2015, was expected to step down as early as Monday. “A new prime minster and leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into that next election.