JUST IN: Canada’s PM Justin Trudeau announces resignation

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he intends to step down as the country’s prime minister, leaving office once a new ruling party leader is chosen.

• Canada’s parliament will be suspended until March 24 while a new leader is chosen, he said.
• Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party for 11 years and prime minister for nine, was facing a mounting set of crises, from Donald Trump’s tariff threats to the resignation of key allies and disastrous opinion polls.

Trudeau: “I have fought for this country, for you”.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he “fought for this country” over his nearly 10-year premiership, after he announced his resignation as the ruling Liberal party leader.

“Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I have been inspired by the resilience, generosity and the determination of Canadians,” he told journalists on Monday. “I have fought for this country, for you.”

Trudeau listed his administration’s support for Ukraine and his policy during the Covid-19 pandemic, as being among his greatest achievements since he took power in 2015.

“We rallied to support each other through the pandemic … to stand strong with Ukraine, and our democracy, to fight climate change, and to get our economy ready for the future,” he added. “We are at a critical moment in the world.”

CNN