Toronto 
Today morning, Justin Trudeau announced his decision to step down as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party once his successor is chosen.
Credit: YouTube
Here is the transcript of his speech delivered in front of the Rideau Cottage and reactions from major party leaders:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
“Every morning, I’ve woken up as prime minister, I’ve been inspired by the resilience, the generosity and the determination of Canadians. It is the driving force of every single day I have the privilege of serving in this office. That is why, since 2015, I’ve fought for this country – for you – to strengthen and grow the middle class, why we rallied to support each other through the pandemic, to advance reconciliation, to defend free trade on this continent, to stand strong with Ukraine and our democracy, and to fight climate change and get our economy ready for the future. We are at a critical moment in the world. My friends, as you all know, I’m 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. And 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. That’s 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.
” Over the holidays, I’ve also had a chance to reflect and have had long talks with my family about our future. Throughout the course of my career, any success I have personally achieved has been because of their support and with their encouragement. So last night, over dinner, I told my kids about the decision that I’m sharing with you today.
“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. 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.
“The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and democracy. A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into that next election. I’m excited to see the process unfold in the months ahead. We were elected for the third time in 2021 to strengthen the economy post-pandemic and advance Canada’s interests in a complicated world, and that is exactly the job that I and we will continue to do for Canadians.”
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre
“Canadians desperate to turn the page on this dark chapter in our history might be relieved today that Justin Trudeau is finally leaving. But what has really changed?
“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. All supported a law quadrupling the tax over the next 5 years. All voted for or actively supported Trudeau’s out-of-control spending, debt, and immigration. All past Trudeau’s housing policies that doubled the cost of homes. All liberal politicians help pass Catch and Release Bail and house arrest for the most rampant re-offenders. Policies that increased violent crimes 50%, gun crime 116%, and hate crime by 250%.
“So, given that liberal MPs and leadership contenders unanimously supported everything Trudeau has done, why dump him now right before an election? Have they had a change of heart? Is it because they feel guilty that they doubled housing costs, hiked taxes, unleashed crime, broke immigration, forced a quarter of the population into poverty?
“No. They continued supporting Trudeau when he did all of those things. No. Their only objection is that he is no longer popular enough to win an election and keep them in power. They want to protect their pensions in paycheck. By sweeping their hated leader under the rug, months before an election to trick you. And then do it all over again.
“Now, while leaderless liberals focus on saving their jobs and fighting each other for power, the country spirals out of control.
“An out-of-control housing emergency. An out-of-control migrant crisis. An out-of-control $62 billion deficit, not to mention tariff from the United States. Oh, and another NDP-Liberal carbon tax hike kicks in this April 1st, Everything’s out of control, and now the government is out of control.
“This cannot go on. We need a carbon tax election now to choose between the NDP Liberal costly coalition that taxes your food, punishes your work, doubles your housing costs and unleashes crime and drugs in your community. Or common sense Conservatives who will axe the tax, build the homes, fix the budget, and stop the crime.
“Canadians can take back control of their lives and their country. Take back control of our border. Take back control of immigration. Take back control of spending deficits and inflation. Take back control of our streets by locking up criminals, banning drugs, treating addiction and stopping gun smugglers. We’ll cap spending, axe taxes, reward work, build homes, uphold family, stop crime secure borders, rearm our forces, restore our freedom, and put Canada first.
“All with one mission, to bring home Canada’s promise that every hardworking Canadian gets a powerful paycheck and pension that buys affordable food and homes on safe streets where all are united for the country we know and love.
“Canada first. Canada last. Canada Always.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh
“Justin Trudeau has let you down, over and over. He let you down on the cost of housing and groceries. He let you down on fixing health care. It doesn’t matter who leads the Liberals. They don’t deserve another chance. Conservatives are jumping at the opportunity to take from you and give more to CEOs. You will pay the price of Poilievre’s cuts. If you oppose callous Conservative cuts; if you oppose the rich getting richer while everyone else falls further behind – stand with the NDP this time. You can have a government that works for you for a change.”
Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet
“I believe that Mr Trudeau was right in making the decision he made, even if it will cost us a few weeks before we get into elections which is absolutely required. There is no significant difference between the liberal party that we know and the liberal party that will be presented to us after there’s a new leader to that party. So there’s only one way which is relevant for Quebec and, I suppose, for Canada is for the population to be called to choose a new Parliament composition. ”
