Originally featured on E! Online, Justin Trudeau is ushering in the New Year with a significant announcement. The Prime Minister of Canada and leader of the Liberal Party has disclosed his plans to step down from his roles as party leader and prime minister once the party identifies a new leader through a comprehensive, nationwide competitive process.
Speaking at a press conference held on January 6 in Ottawa, Trudeau, who assumed office as prime minister in November 2015 following his victory over Stephen Harper, expressed his decision. “Last night I requested the president of the Liberal Party to initiate this process,” stated Trudeau. “This nation deserves a genuine choice in the upcoming election, and it has become evident to me that if I am entangled in internal conflicts, I may not be the optimal candidate for that election.”
The esteemed politician, whose late father Pierre Trudeau previously served two separate terms as prime minister, has been navigating through a period of personal transformation in recent times. Notably, in August 2023, he and Sophie Grégoire went public with news of their separation after 18 years of marriage.
In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram back then, Trudeau, a father to Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrien with Grégoire, affirmed, “As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other for everything we have built and will continue to build. For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy.”
Since the separation, Trudeau has offered rare glimpses into his family life, capturing moments of holiday festivities with his children in late 2024. “Dish duty is part of Thanksgiving too,” he jovially captioned a photo featuring the trio on Instagram. “Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours.”
Furthermore, he commemorated his eldest son’s birthday in October with a touching Instagram post. “Today this little guy turns 17 (and is much taller than me)… Where did the time go?” Trudeau fondly wrote about his son, who shares a birthday with his late father. “Watching Xav grow into such a brilliant, sensitive young man has been one of my greatest joys.”
Adding, “And to my Dad: happy birthday, too. Always wish you were here to celebrate with us.”
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