OTTAWA - This morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finally admitted the inescapable conclusion that he had to step aside to make room for new leadership. The fact that the announcement could surprise no one is to admit the obvious—over the last year, but particularly the last few weeks since December 16, the decline in his support has been painful to watch, like a slow-motion train wreck.
But the partisan and political moment should not distract from the basic human things that should be said. Justin Trudeau was never groomed to fill his father's shoes. As a young man, he did not seek out a future in politics—he decided to be a teacher. As the Liberal Party was knocked so far back following the 2011 election, the MP for Papineau was assigned the far rear corner of the chamber of Centre Block, sitting with me, the first Green MP, and the then-small remnants of the Bloc, with four MPs.
I know how he struggled with the decision of whether to run for Liberal leader, weighing how it might impact his personal life. He was being recruited as someone who could rescue the Liberals. A majority win was not a likelihood. If anyone knew what it would mean for his children if he were to become PM—as the child of a PM—Justin Trudeau knew. I have observed for many years how he has consistently prioritized his family’s time and his children.
To say public service is a sacrifice is to state the obvious. For that, and especially at a time when basic civility has eroded to where he could be attacked verbally and rudely in front of his youngest on a Christmas holiday, underscores how hard that public service has become.
So no matter how Liberal broken promises variously sadden me and make me very angry indeed, those are points to be made in the 2025 election. Today, I want to thank Justin Trudeau for his service to his country and wish him and his family much happiness and peace in the years ahead.
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