Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed pride in the achievements of the Liberal Party over the past decade as he prepared to step down as party leader. Speaking at the Liberal Leadership Convention, just hours before the announcement of his successor, Trudeau reflected on the party’s accomplishments and its vision for Canada’s future, as reported by CBC News.
“I am damn proud of what we’ve done over these past 10 years for the middle class and the people working hard to join it,” Trudeau declared in his address. Looking ahead, he emphasized the party’s duty to maintain Canada’s status as “the best country on Earth” and urged his supporters to continue their efforts with passion and dedication.
In one of his final speeches as Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader, Trudeau underscored the importance of safeguarding Canada’s democratic values. “Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given,” he warned. “None of those happened by accident. None of them will continue without effort.”
Recalling a historic milestone, Trudeau mentioned former Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson raising the Canadian flag on Parliament Hill 60 years ago. “There are still so many more chapters to write,” Trudeau said, adding that the world is watching to see how Canada shapes its future.
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Trudeau noted that the Liberal Party was a distant third when he assumed leadership in 2013. “It’s when you try to count us out that we Liberals show our true mettle,” he stated. He also extended gratitude to his longtime photographer Adam Scotti and his chief of staff Katie Telford, who have been by his side for over a decade.
Trudeau’s daughter, Ella-Grace Trudeau, introduced her father with a heartfelt speech, expressing pride in his achievements and anticipation for his life beyond politics. “Dad, I’m so proud of you,” the 16-year-old said, acknowledging the challenges of growing up with the country’s Prime Minister as a father and looking forward to spending more time with him at home.
The leadership convention also featured speeches from the four candidates vying to become the next Liberal Party leader: former central banker Mark Carney, former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, current MP and former House leader Karina Gould, and Montreal business leader and former MP Frank Baylis. The candidates addressed pressing issues, including concerns about US tariffs and annexation threats.
The incoming Liberal Party leader, once chosen, will be sworn in as Canada’s next Prime Minister by the Governor General. The leadership race was prompted by Trudeau’s announcement in January of his intention to step down following mounting caucus unrest and Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from the cabinet.
One of the immediate challenges facing the new leader will be deciding whether to call an early election or wait until Parliament reconvenes on March 24. Trudeau recently stated that he expects the leadership transition to take place “in the coming days or week,” marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the Liberal Party and Canada.
