Prime Minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau, has called a news conference for 11:45 AST today. Sources say the 23rd PM is expected to step down as the Federal Liberal Party Leader until a successor is chosen. Then, he will step down as Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau met with Governor General Mary Simon this morning and it has been confirmed that Parliament will prorogue until March 24th.

Trudeau began his conference speaking about the past 9 years as Prime Minister of Canada, touching on the pandemic, free trade, climate change, resilience of Canadians and overall advancement of reconciliation. 

“The fact is, despite best efforts to work through it, Parliament has been paralyzed for months, after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history. Thats why this morning, I advised the Governor General, that we need a new session of parliament. She has granted this request, and the house will now be prorogued until March 24th” said Trudeau.

“Last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision I’m sharing with you today. I intend to resign as Party Leader, as Prime Minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust nation wide competitive process.” 

“This country deserves a real choice in next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.” 

Trudeau was emotional as he explained his resignation, speaking in both English and French to address the nation. As Parliament is now prorogued, this gives the Liberal Party time to select a new leader. During a period of questions, Trudeau once again said he could not be a leader during the next elections due to “internal battles”. 

Trudeau was also asked about his most proud accomplishment, to which he stated promises from the 2015 election regarding the middle class, promises for climate change and more. His biggest regret, he said, was continuing “to think that our electoral system had (could’ve) been changed, so that people would be able to have a 1st, 2nd and 3rd choice on the ballot, parties would spend more time looking at their points in common, to be the second or third choice rather than see this polarization. But I could not unilaterally change our ballot system.” (This quote was translated.)