Trudeau to step down as Canada's prime minister after decade in power

Justin Trudeau has said he will step down as Canada's prime minister once his party finds a new leader, a decision that in effect brings an end to nearly a decade in power.

- Leyland Cecco, Oliver Holmes

"Canadians deserve a clear choice in the next election," Trudeau said, adding that party infighting had made it impossible for him to face off against his political rivals. He said he would stay on as prime minister until a new leader of the ruling Liberal party had been chosen through a "robust, nationwide" process.

His resignation throws open the doors to a fierce political battle to be the country's next leader, with polls showing the Liberals losing badly to the official opposition Conservatives in an election that must be held by late October, regardless of who the leader is.

Trudeau, who used his address to recount his government's accomplishments over three terms, said parliament would be suspended until 24 March.

His decision to resign comes at a time when a deep anxiety has settled over Canadian politics before Donald Trump's inauguration as US president. Canadian officials increasingly fear US tariffs will devastate the Canadian economy, and a prorogued parliament is unlikely to ease these fears.

Hours after Trudeau resigned, Trump revived his running joke on social media about persuading Canada to seek US statehood. "Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned. 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. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!"