Trudeau Concludes His Tenure as Canada’s PM ‘at His Peak’ While Facing Trump Threats

Montreal, Canada – It took place in early January, but for numerous Canadians, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement of his intent to resign already feels like ages ago.

In the time since, the nation has been shaken by a series of unprecedented developments from the United States.

Canada now faces the threat of a prolonged trade dispute with the US, with President Donald Trump repeatedly threatening to annex Canada, escalating widespread anger and uncertainty among Canadians.

As Trudeau prepares to formally resign on Friday, paving the way for new Liberal Party leader Mark Carney to take over as prime minister, experts suggest that the former leader’s response to the turmoil will be remembered favorably.

“He did an outstanding job on his way out,” stated Charles-Etienne Beaudry, a political science professor at the University of Ottawa.

“He worked diligently to address the Trump tariff threats, communicated effectively with Canadians, delivered impactful speeches … [and] organized the response,” Beaudry told Al Jazeera.

“This will stand as a significant part of his legacy. It reflects great character.”

Pressure to Resign

Trudeau’s resignation decision came after enduring months of pressure from within his own Liberal Party and increasing public dissatisfaction with his government’s performance.

After nearly ten years in office, the prime minister had faced significant criticism from Canadians regarding issues of affordability and a worsening housing crisis, leading to his party’s historically low poll numbers.

Liberal lawmakers urged him to step down to enhance their chances in the 2025 federal election, yet Trudeau largely resisted those pressures, asserting his intention to lead the party into the next election.

However, the threats from Trump intensified the pressure, alongside the unexpected resignation of Trudeau’s longtime deputy, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, in mid-December.

On January 6, Trudeau announced he would resign once the Liberals select their next leader.

“This country deserves a genuine choice in the next election, and it has become evident to me that if I am engaged in internal conflicts, I cannot be the best option in that election,” he declared in his resignation speech from Ottawa.

Stewart Prest, a political science professor at the University of British Columbia, remarked that the prevailing sentiment at that time was that Trudeau “had overstayed his welcome.”

“Like any politician, Trudeau accumulated a significant amount of baggage, and people began attributing many issues to him,” Prest noted, adding that there was a general consensus that the government had lost touch with Canadians.

“Trudeau was a beleaguered leader.”

Decisive Response

However, everything shifted after he declared his resignation, Prest conveyed to Al Jazeera.

Freed from the need to counter Conservative opposition attacks and internal pressures, the prime minister emerged as the embodiment of Canada’s “polite but resolute defiance” against Trump, Prest elaborated.

“It appears Trudeau found new energy and a fresh voice to represent Canadians … and to advocate for Canadians, utilizing firm language yet still distinctly Canadian,” he remarked.

“He [was] able to advocate for what truly matters instead of being preoccupied with the narrow political calculations of the moment.”

Indeed, as Trump’s unparalleled attacks on Canada created widespread anxiety, Trudeau emphasized the importance of unity among Canadians.

In numerous speeches, he committed to supporting the workers and businesses most affected by US tariffs and pledged robust countermeasures, including billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs on American products.

He firmly dismissed Trump’s proposal to make Canada the 51st state of the US.

“I’m sure many of you are feeling anxious,” Trudeau addressed Canadians on February 1, just days before the 25-percent US tariffs were set to take effect. “But I want you to understand that we are all in this together.”

Beaudry from the University of Ottawa noted that that address was one among many that depicted Trudeau as a “reassuring figure” at a critical juncture for Canada. “A strong finish is vital, and he recognized that,” the professor said.

“He possesses a commendable strength of character that isn’t found in everyone.”

Trudeau ‘At His Best’

Moreover, Trudeau’s resignation – combined with the threats from Trump and the Liberal leadership contest – revitalized enthusiasm within his party.

The Liberals have seen a rebound in polls and are expected to closely compete against the Conservatives in the upcoming election, which could be held as soon as next month.

Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, a nonprofit polling and research organization, stated that the Canada-US crisis ultimately played to Trudeau’s strengths.

She drew parallels to the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when the prime minister effectively conveyed reassurance to Canadians during a terrifying and uncertain period.

“What we’ve observed from Trudeau over the past two months has showcased some of his best moments,” Kurl told Al Jazeera, adding that the outgoing prime minister is regarded as someone who excels in crisis situations. “This is related to how he communicates with Canadians.”

Polls indicate that a majority of Canadians have welcomed his government’s response to the Trump administration as well.

An Angus Reid poll from early March, for instance, revealed that 66 percent of respondents supported a universal 25-percent retaliatory tariff on American goods.

And although Trudeau still has his critics – and his nine years in office yielded a mixed legacy overall – experts agree that his concluding weeks as prime minister will be viewed positively.

“At a time of rekindled national pride, patriotism, and unity,” Kurl emphasized, “he was perceived as fully engaging with the moment.”