Justin Trudeau, the Canadian prime minister who has been under pressure from his own party and critics alike, announced his decision to step down on Monday, marking a stunning end to his quarter-century-long reign. Here’s a look back at his rise and fall:
Trudeau, 52, was born into politics in 1971 as the son of Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Canada’s prime minister at the time. He delivered an eulogy for his father in 2000, setting him on the path to national prominence.
The former high school teacher entered Parliament at age 36 in 2008 and quickly gained attention with a charity boxing match against a Conservative opponent in 2012. Trudeau led the embattled Liberal Party from 2013, revitalizing its image after a decade of scandal.
As prime minister, Trudeau outlined a national carbon tax program, presented a stark contrast to US President Donald Trump’s travel ban and refugee restrictions, and initiated reconciliation efforts with Indigenous populations. However, his reputation was marred by scandals, including an ethics commission ruling that he had violated conflict of interest rules and the surface of blackface images.
In 2020, Trudeau faced criticism over restrictive measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. He called a snap election in 2021 but lost his party’s majority. In 2022, Canadian protesters paralyzed Ottawa due to vaccine requirements, prompting Trudeau to declare a national public order emergency.
Trudeau’s approval ratings plummeted in 2023 as Canadians expressed outrage over housing costs and high unemployment. The situation took a turn for the worse with friction with India and an admission that his immigration policy had failed. In December, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland resigned abruptly, further eroding Trudeau’s authority.
As pressure from his party mounted, Trudeau announced his decision to step down in 2025. His departure marks a significant end to an era of Canadian politics, one that will be remembered for its contrasts between Trudeau’s progressive ambitions and the challenges he faced as leader.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/06/world/canada/justin-trudeau-timeline-canada.html