Eroding support: Trudeau to resign; will stay on until successor chosen

Justin Trudeau resigns On Monday outside Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Justin Trudeau said he will resign as prime minister after the Liberal Party holds a leadership contest. He also says Gov. Gen. Mary Simon has agreed with his request to prorogue Parliament until March 24. Here's a look back at Trudeau's life in federal politics. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press)

Important Takeaways:

  • Trudeau, who became Liberal leader in 2013 and prime minister in the fall of 2015, announced his long-awaited decision outside his official residence, Rideau Cottage, on Monday morning.
  • Trudeau also said he asked Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to prorogue Parliament until March 24, and she granted the request.
  • His decision will set off a competitive leadership race to replace him and find a contender to take on the Liberals’ key rival, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, in the next federal election.
  • Trudeau has been under mounting pressure to resign amid sinking public opinion polling, including from his own caucus.
  • At least two dozen individual MPs and several regional caucuses — including Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario — have called for him to step down since before the holiday break.

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