Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing mounting criticism and pressure to resign as Canada's leader, particularly following the abrupt resignation of a key deputy that has laid bare his declining popularity after almost ten years in office. A recent Ipsos poll reveals a staggering 73% of Canadians believe Trudeau should step down, a sentiment echoed by 43% of his own Liberal Party supporters.

The political climate has dramatically shifted for Trudeau. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and a once-ally, has characterized Trudeau as a 'failed leader' and has initiated plans to introduce a motion to defeat his government when Parliament reconvenes next month.

Trudeau is the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and rose to prominence in 2015, becoming Canada's second-youngest prime minister at 43. Initially lauded for his charisma and adept use of social media, he has since faced multiple challenges that have chipped away at his political honeymoon.

Throughout his tenure, Trudeau has championed various issues, with major focuses on climate change and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples while also leading the charge to legalize marijuana. However, the 2019 elections saw the Liberals secure a win, but with a significantly reduced majority, forcing the party to rely on smaller parties to navigate its legislative agenda.

In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, Trudeau became the first leader of the G7 nations to go into self-isolation when his wife tested positive for the virus. Though his approval ratings held steady for some time, the 2021 election further complicated his standing as the Liberals again failed to secure a majority.

Key Reasons for Discontent

1. Economic Challenges: Canada has been grappling with post-pandemic inflation, which peaked at a staggering 8% before settling below 2%. Higher unemployment rates of around 6.4% have given Trudeau's Conservative opposition ample materials to criticize his carbon tax policies.

2. Housing Crisis: The skyrocketing cost of housing in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal has left many Canadians struggling for affordability. Analyses have shown that restoring affordability would require either a dramatic price drop or an unprecedented increase in incomes.

3. Immigration Policies: Trudeau's government announced a tightening of immigration policies after welcoming nearly three million immigrants in three years—a move intended to address the strain on healthcare and social services.

4. Scandals and Controversies: Past scandals continue to haunt Trudeau. A longstanding allegation of inappropriate behavior towards a reporter resurfaced, alongside a 2019 ethics ruling that he had improperly influenced his former justice minister. His past controversial appearances in blackface also contributed to ongoing public distrust.

5. Party Infighting: The resignation of deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland has intensified speculation about Trudeau's future and signals deepening rifts within his party.

What Lies Ahead?

Should Trudeau resign, the process for his departure could unfold in two main ways. He could announce that he will step down once the party elects a new leader, or he could opt for an immediate resignation, triggering the appointment of an interim leader and paving the way for either an early federal election or the new leader facing the electorate by October 2025.

Potential Successors

In the backdrop of this political turmoil, contenders are emerging to replace Trudeau. Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party and positioning himself as the anti-Trudeau, has gained traction, especially among those frustrated with the current government. On the Liberal side, speculation abounds regarding Chrystia Freeland's ambitions for leadership, along with prominent figures such as Dominic LeBlanc, Mélanie Joly, and former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney.

As Canada faces an uncertain political future, one thing is clear: Justin Trudeau’s leadership is under serious scrutiny, and many Canadians are eager for a change. What happens next remains to be seen, but the stage is set for a dramatic political shift in the Great White North.