When Will Canada Host Elections to Replace Justin Trudeau? What We Know
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as the leader of the country and his party on Monday, shutting down the country's parliament until a replacement can be found ahead of a federal election.
Trudeau said he would stay at the helm until the Liberal party selects its new leader, promising a "robust, nationwide, competitive process."
Why It Matters
Monday's resignation comes at a time when other world leaders have been forced out by rising voter dissatisfaction. It leaves a question over which way Canada could swing politically in its election later in the year.
What To Know
Canada's government is now on hiatus while the search for Trudeau's replacement is underway, meaning no debates or legislation will be passed until at least March 24.
"I have always been driven by my love for Canada, my desire to serve Canadians...and Canadians deserve a real choice in the next election," Trudeau said at a press conference Monday morning. "It is obvious to me that I cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election."
When Will Canada Hold An Election To Replace Justin Trudeau?
According to the Liberal Party's constitution, Trudeau can remain leader until his replacement is found because he publicly announced the move. A meeting of the party's national board of directors will convene within a week to begin selecting a new leader.
An exact timeline for the leadership race was unclear Monday afternoon, but the board will likely make such a decision when it meets. Some Liberals have reportedly been exploring a deadline before March 24, when parliament would resume, to avoid opposition parties causing any issues.
Only registered members of the Liberal Party will be able to participate in the vote.
Liberals will need a new leader in place before the October 20, 2025, federal election to elect the next parliament and, therefore, the next prime minister.
How Do Canada's Elections Work?
Canada's federal elections work on what is known as the "first-past-the-post" system, meaning that whichever candidate for a constituency wins the most votes wins the seat, and then the party with the most seats forms a government. That party's leader becomes prime minister. A very similar system is in play in the United Kingdom.
An absolute majority is not necessary to win-only the largest share. Six major parties are in play: Trudeau's Liberals, the Conservatives, Bloc Québécois, New Democratic, Green, and People's.
As for the Liberals' system, each electoral district is allocated 100 points. Voters rank their preferred candidates, and candidates receive a ratio of those 100 points based on the ballots cast. Whoever has the least votes is eliminated until a candidate gets over 50 percent. The first contender to receive over 50 percent of the points nationally is elected leader.
Who Might Replace Justin Trudeau As Canada's Prime Minister?
A few potential candidates to replace Trudeau as party leader have already been discussed. Former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Transport Minister Anita Anand and former Central Bank Governor Mark Carney are all options on the table.
Freeland resigned from her position last month, sparking rumors she would start her leadership bid before Trudeau's announcement. She worked to secure a new trade agreement with the U.S. during the first Trump administration.
LeBlanc is a friend of Trudeau's and has met with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss potential tariffs on Canada. Anand has played various roles within Trudeau's government in recent years.
Trudeau's resignation comes at a time when the Liberals are looking less likely to secure victory this October, meaning whoever replaces him will need to win over Canadians once more or face the prospect of Conservative Pierre Poilievre claiming victory.
How Long Are Prime Minister Terms In Canada?
There are no term limits on Canadian prime ministerial terms, meaning they can continue to serve in the role as long as they remain the leader of their party and that party keeps winning elections.
Elections in Canada are supposed to happen at fixed points every four years, but they can be called early if the country's governor general dissolves parliament.
What People Are Saying
Liberal Party President Sachit Mehra, in a statement: "Liberals across the country are immensely grateful to Justin Trudeau for more than a decade of leadership to our Party and the country... We thank him for his service to Canada, and we look forward to his continued leadership until a new leader is chosen."
What's Next
Liberals will now await a date to vote for their new leader, while candidates have a short window to announce their intention to run. Trudeau will remain prime minister until a new leader is declared.
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This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 4:48 PM