Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s popularity among Canadians has plummeted in recent months due to various challenges. These include the threat of tariffs imposed by newly elected US President Donald Trump against Canada and the murder of a pro-Khalistani terrorist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Ottawa, where the incident allegedly occurred. The situation has led to an ongoing dispute with India over the incident. Additionally, domestic issues such as inflation and immigration have brought Prime Minister Trudeau to the brink of resignation.

On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to resign but stated that he would remain in office until the ruling Liberal Party selects a successor.

Several factors have contributed to Trudeau’s decision to resign:

1. Dispute with India over Nijjar’s murder: Since September 2023, Canada has been embroiled in a diplomatic tussle with India regarding the murder of Khalistani leader Hardeep Nijjar. Trudeau accused India of being involved in Nijjar’s murder. Nijjar was shot dead outside a Sikh temple in Canada. India dismissed the allegations as “absurd” and claimed they were a ploy to woo Khalistani supporters in Canada ahead of federal elections. In response to the accusations, India suspended six Canadian diplomats and recalled its high commissioner in Ottawa, prompting a reciprocal response from Canada. The diplomatic spat intensified further when Ambassador Sanjay Kumar Verma was designated a “person of interest” in the Nijjar case.
2. Donald Trump threatens to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian products: Last month, Donald Trump threatened to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian products if the Canadian government does not take action against immigrants and the synthetic opioid drug fentanyl entering the United States. As a consequence, restrictions will be imposed.
3. Dinner with Donald Trump: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had dinner with Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago to discuss the potential tariffs and their adverse impact on the Canadian economy. During their meeting, Trump urged Trudeau to position Canada as a “partner of the United States” and suggested the notion of making Canada the “51st state of the United States of America.”