Longtime Canadian LGBTQ ally Justin Trudeau resigns
- Brody Levesque
- Jan 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 15
OTTAWA, Canada - In an emotional speech from his official residence at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa on Monday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he is resigning as leader of the Liberal Party. Trudeau noted that he will remain in office as prime minister until the party selects a new leader.
Speaking to his fellow Canadians, Trudeau reflected on his nearly decade long service as the prime minister and the decision to step down.
“Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I’ve been inspired by the resilience, the generosity, and the determination of Canadians,” he said. “That is why since 2015, I’ve fought for this country—for you—to strengthen and grow the middle class, to rally and support each other through the pandemic, to advance reconciliation, to defend free trade on this continent, to stand strong with Ukraine and our democracy, and to fight climate change and get our economy ready for the future.”
Trudeau told the gathered reporters and viewers that he has “one regret” and that is the country’s election process.
“If I have one regret, particularly as we approach this election — well, probably many regrets that I will think of,” the prime minister said. “But I do wish we’d been able to change the way we elect our governments in this country so that people could simply choose a second choice, or a third choice on the same ballot.”
He noted that he had told his family on Sunday about his decision.
“Last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision that I’m sharing with you today. I explained to them that I intend to resign as party leader, as Prime Minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide competitive process,” he said. “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
His actions came as he was facing a mounting set of crises, from President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats to the resignation of key allies and disastrous public opinion polls.
Trudeau's LGBTQ record earned him widespread praise across Canada and globally as leader of the Liberal Party for 11 years and prime minister for nine. In 2016 Trudeau made history when he marched in the Toronto Pride Parade. He was the first sitting Prime Minister to participate in the annual LGBTQ Parade.
Under his leadership the Liberal Party's LGBTQ record included:
2016
Federal legislation introduced to protect trans* rights and prevent discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression.
Trudeau becomes the first Canadian Prime Minister to march in a Pride Parade.
Trudeau and MPs raised the Pride Flag on Parliament Hill for the first time.
2017
Trudeau makes a formal apology on behalf of the Government of Canada to 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians who have been wronged by federal legislation, policies, and practices.
The Liberal government passes legislation to permanently destroy records of convictions involving consensual sexual activity with same-sex partners that would be lawful if it occurred today.
2019
The Liberal government invests an unprecedented $20 million for 2SLGBTQI+ community service organizations.
2020-2024
The Liberal government bans the cruel and discredited practice of anti-2SLGBTQI+ conversion therapy.
Moving forward with Canada’s first-ever Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, that will guide the work of the federal government on the priorities of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians.
Health Canada authorizes Canadian Blood Services to lift the blood donation ban for men who have sex with men.
