Political rivals, colleagues and potential successors react to Trudeau's resignation

Political rivals, colleagues, business leaders and potential Liberal leadership candidates reacted to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation announcement Monday with a mix of criticism over his record and appreciation for his years of public service. 

Former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England Mark Carney — who is among those expected to throw their hat into the ring to replace Trudeau — wished the prime minister well as he moves out of politics. 

"Thank you prime minister," he said in a post on X, "for your leadership, for your many contributions to Canada and for the sacrifices you and your family have made for public service."

Former B.C. premier Christy Clark, who may also jump into the Liberal leadership race, thanked Trudeau for his service to the country "he so clearly loves" in a social media post and wished his family well. 

"As a lifelong Liberal I look forward to joining tens of thousands of Canadians to choose our next leader," she said. 

"This is the biggest opportunity in over a decade that we've had to grow our party and welcome new Liberals … let's seize it," she added.

WATCH | Politicians react to Trudeau's announcement: 

Politicians react to Trudeau's resignation

2 days ago

Duration 6:10

Justin Trudeau said Monday he plans to step down as prime minister once a new Liberal Party leader has been chosen. Here's what Canadian politicians, and even U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, had to say about his announcement.

That sentiment of appreciation was absent in the statement from NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh. He welcomed Trudeau's resignation and said the prime minister had disappointed the Canadians he was elected to serve. 

"Justin Trudeau's Liberals let down Canadians. They let you down on home prices. They let you down on health care. They let you down by allowing corporate greed to run wild," he said. 

"The Liberals do not deserve another chance, no matter who is the leader."

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre said in a post on X that despite Trudeau's resignation, "nothing has changed" and "every Liberal MP and leadership contender supported everything Trudeau did" while in office. 

"Now they want to trick voters by swapping in another Liberal face to keep ripping off Canadians for another four years.... The only way to fix what Liberals broke is a carbon tax election to elect common sense Conservatives who will bring home Canada's promise."

Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet said the country needs an election because regardless of the leader, the Liberal party will remain the party of Justin Trudeau. 

"The institution we are facing is the Liberal Party of Canada," he said in Ottawa on Monday. 

"It has been deeply transformed by Mr. Trudeau and there is no possible way for this party to become something else in a few weeks," he added. "We are facing the same people, the same values, the same ideology: we have to go [to an] election."

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May described Trudeau's last few weeks as "painful to watch, like a slow-motion train wreck," but shared some kind words upon his departure.

"Today, I want to thank Justin Trudeau for his service to his country and wish him and his family much happiness and peace in the years ahead," she said.

Trump and the 51st state

Posting on his own social media platform, Truth Social, Trump reacted to the news by saying that many Canadians "love" the idea of becoming the 51st state and that once Canada joined the union the two countries would form one "great nation."

Trump has often referred to Trudeau as Canada's "governor" since the prime minister met him for dinner at his Florida home late last year.

"The United States can no longer suffer the massive trade deficits and subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat," Trump said in the post.

"If Canada merged with the U.S., there would be no tariffs, taxes would go way down and they would be totally secure from the threat of the Russian and Chinese ships that are constantly surrounding them," he added. 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford issued a statement sidestepping any mention of Trudeau's record and instead raised the alarm that the federal government "needs to do everything humanly possible" to avoid tariffs that U.S. president-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on Canadian exports.

"Now more than ever, the interests of Canadian workers and families need to come before political or party ambitions," Ford said.

"Canada needs to demonstrate stability and strength at this critical moment, and the federal government must urgently explain to Canadians how they will avoid tariffs that could have devastating effects on our economy."

Quebec Premier François Legault said Canada faces significant challenges as U.S. president-elect Donald Trump promises to impose a 25 per cent tariff on all goods from Canada at the beginning of his second term.

"Although our opinions have often differed, today I want to salute Justin Trudeau's public service and his commitment to Canada," he said on X. "I will continue to work with Mr. Trudeau, his successor and the current government to avoid these tariffs."

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said upcoming discussions with the incoming Trump administration are "one of the most important international negotiations we have ever faced" and they require a stable Canadian government to carry them out.

"We call on all federal parties and MPs to force an election at the first available opportunity and give Canadians the opportunity to pick a party and a leader to represent their interests at this critical time for our nation," she said.

Former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, whose resignation from cabinet kicked off Trudeau's most recent political crisis, issued a short statement on X simply thanking her former boss. 

"I thank Justin Trudeau for his years of service to Canada and Canadians," she said. "I wish him and his family the very best."

Former health minister Jane Philpott, who resigned from cabinet in 2019 as Trudeau's government battled allegations of political interference in the SNC-Lavalin affair, also thanked the prime minister for his service. 

"It's an emotional day. Anyone who served Canada as head of government deserves thanks and respect. So, thanks," she said.  

"Thanks for giving me an opportunity to serve in the 42nd parliament. I'm proud of many things we accomplished in those days. Wish you well."

Jean-Yves Duclos, Trudeau's minister of public services and procurement, thanked the prime minister for his "his service to Quebecers and Canadians" and for his "leadership, advice and friendship over the years."

"Throughout his time in office, our government has achieved major milestones for Canadians including lifting hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty through the Canada Child Benefit and the Early Learning and Child Care program. 

"These programs are not only helping children and families across the country but they are making it easier for women to join the workforce and contribute to our overall economic success," Duclos said in a statement. 

Montréal Mayor Valérie Plante said Trudeau has "been an ally of Montreal" and thanked the prime minister for his work with the municipal government on housing, poverty reduction and transit. 

"When governments support cities, they can achieve great things," she said. "The challenges before us are major and the best solutions will come from the ground, from municipalities. Their role is essential, and I personally thank Justin, who has always recognized this."

Business criticism

Candace Laing, the CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said in a statement that Trudeau "read the room and made the right call by announcing his resignation." 

While thanking Trudeau for his service, Laing said the prime minister's resignation "marks a turning point as Canada tackles unprecedented domestic and international challenges."

"The time for wasteful spending and over-taxation is done — we need to aim higher and deliver the better life all Canadians deserve," she said.

Goldy Hyder, president and CEO of the Business Council of Canada, issued a statement thanking Trudeau for "his devoted service to Canada over the last nine years," noting that Trudeau won office in three straight elections. 

Hyder said Trudeau's legacy will be marked by his government's efforts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, poverty reduction and working with business leaders during the pandemic. 

Hyder said that despite those successes, Trudeau was "often at odds" with the private sector when it came to policies around fiscal responsibility and long-term economic growth

"We view this as a lost opportunity to strengthen the country for future generations," he said. "Canada has much going for it, but we can't take it for granted."