OTTAWA — A decade after his triumphant rise to the Canadian political stage, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, ending his transformative yet controversial leadership. Once hailed as a fresh face of Canadian politics, Trudeau's time in office was marked by high hopes, significant policy achievements, and a growing series of scandals that have plagued his final years as leader.

Trudeau's departure comes after a period of declining popularity. The Liberal Party, under his leadership, suffered substantial losses in the 2021 federal election, which forced him into a minority government. While Trudeau managed to hold on to power, his approval ratings have steadily waned amid rising economic pressures and internal party discord.

A Political Rise and Early Promise

When Justin Trudeau was elected prime minister in 2015, it marked the return of the Liberal Party to power after nearly a decade of Conservative rule under Stephen Harper. The son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin's leadership was initially seen as a beacon of optimism. He campaigned on a platform of progressive change, promising to tackle climate change, improve gender equality, and renew relations with Indigenous communities.

Trudeau’s first term saw significant policy shifts, including a gender-balanced Cabinet, a landmark climate agreement, and the resettlement of Syrian refugees. His famous response to a question about gender equality in his Cabinet, "Because it's 2015," resonated globally as a symbol of his inclusive approach to leadership.

However, the early excitement surrounding his leadership would soon give way to criticism as the Trudeau government faced a string of controversies.

A Decade of Controversies

One of the first blows to Trudeau’s image came in 2016, when Canada’s ethics commissioner ruled that the prime minister had violated conflict-of-interest rules by accepting gifts and vacations from the Aga Khan, a spiritual leader. This marked the first time in Canadian history that a sitting prime minister had been found guilty of such an infraction.

The situation worsened in 2019 when photos emerged showing Trudeau wearing blackface at a 2001 Arabian Nights-themed party. The revelation was particularly damaging for Trudeau, who had built his political brand around multiculturalism and diversity. Though he apologized for his actions, his credibility was shaken, and the incident remained a significant point of contention throughout his leadership.

In addition to these personal controversies, Trudeau's government became embroiled in the SNC-Lavalin affair, which involved allegations of political interference in the prosecution of a major Canadian engineering firm. This scandal led to the resignation of several key members of his Cabinet and raised questions about his commitment to transparency and ethical governance.

Deteriorating Support and Economic Strain

By 2021, Trudeau’s popularity had sharply declined. The Liberal Party’s loss of seats in Parliament during the election forced him into a fragile minority government. His leadership was further challenged by the resignation of key allies, including Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who left amid disagreements over how to handle trade tensions with the incoming Trump administration. Freeland was particularly critical of a series of economic measures, calling them "costly political gimmicks" that Canada could ill afford.

Trudeau’s struggles deepened in 2023, when Housing Minister Sean Fraser also resigned, citing frustration with the government’s handling of the country’s housing crisis. The growing economic hardships, including rising inflation and unaffordable housing, fueled public dissatisfaction. Trudeau’s approval ratings reached an all-time low, leaving him vulnerable to calls for his resignation, including a public demand from New Democratic Party leader Jagmeet Singh, who accused Trudeau of failing to work for the people.

International Strain and Personal Challenges

In addition to domestic issues, Trudeau's leadership faced significant challenges on the international stage. Relations with India became strained after Trudeau accused the Indian government of involvement in the assassination of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. India condemned Trudeau’s handling of the situation, further complicating his foreign policy efforts.

Trudeau also faced personal challenges, including the announcement of his separation from his wife, Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, after 18 years of marriage. The personal and public aspects of his life became entangled, contributing to the growing disillusionment among some voters.

The Path Forward

With his resignation now official, Trudeau has pledged to remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader. He also announced that Parliament would be suspended until March 24, leaving little time before the next federal election, which must be held by late October. Given the current economic pressures and public dissatisfaction, polls suggest that the Conservative Party may be poised to take power, regardless of who leads the Liberals.

Trudeau’s resignation marks the end of a transformative era in Canadian politics. While his time in office was characterized by bold policy initiatives and an inclusive vision for Canada, it was also overshadowed by scandal, controversies, and a decline in public trust. As the country moves forward, the question remains whether Trudeau’s legacy will be defined by his achievements or by the controversies that ultimately led to his downfall.

For now, the Canadian political landscape faces a new chapter, and with it, the challenge of addressing the economic and social issues that dominated Trudeau’s final years in power