Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in one of his last public appearances as Canada’s leader, declared on Thursday that he will not remain in a caretaker role after the Liberal Party selects his successor this Sunday. Addressing reporters in Ottawa, Trudeau outlined his intent to facilitate a seamless handover, with the new leader to be sworn in at Rideau Hall following his resignation. His exit, set to conclude a decade in office, comes as the Liberal leadership race wraps up in three days.
Trudeau grew emotional as he recounted the trials of his tenure—Donald Trump’s presidency, a once-in-a-century pandemic, inflation spikes, and wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. “These have been demanding times, but this is the duty I accepted,” he said, vowing to serve fully until his final day. Responding to queries about his visible emotion, he called his time in office “the honour of my lifetime.”
A poignant moment came as Trudeau touted the nationwide $10-a-day child care program, a policy he hailed as a lifeline for families and a buffer against recession. With 150,000 affordable spaces added this year and plans for 100,000 more by next March, he expressed pride but voiced concern as provincial deals near their 2026 renewal deadline. He subtly criticized Conservative hints at altering the system, stressing that its survival hinges on public resolve. “No government’s work is untouchable unless Canadians demand its continuation,” he said.
Against the backdrop of U.S.-triggered trade tensions, Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to Canadians. “Even in these final days, we will not falter,” he promised, framing the current unity against tariff threats as a springboard for future policy debates. Drawing parallels to his father’s lasting legacies, such as the Charter of Rights, he emphasized building policies that endure, aiming to leave Canada stronger for generations ahead.