Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is considering resigning, an unnamed source close to him told Reuters.
Per the report, Trudeau could announce his decision to step down as soon as today, suggesting the decision was already made and the only question was about the timing.
Trudeau has faced growing criticism both from the opposition and from his own party, and polls—as well as some recent by-elections—have indicated his Liberals are going to lose badly to the Conservatives at the next election, scheduled for October.
The hallmarks of Trudeau’s government have been a complete dedication to the energy transition, taking the form of carbon taxes, strict emission reporting standards, and, the latest, a cap on emissions from the oil and gas industry that the industry has slammed as effectively a cap on production.
In contrast, the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, are very much in favor of a strong local energy industry. Earlier this month, Poilievre said he could offer the U.S. president-elect “a great deal” even as the latter threatens Canada with 25% tariffs.
“If you look at the history of President Trump, he negotiates very aggressively and he likes to win, but in the end, he doesn’t appear to have a problem if his counterparty also wins,” Poilievre said, speaking with political commentator Jordan Peterson. “And so I think that we can get a great deal that will make both countries safer, richer, and stronger,” he added, as quoted by Bloomberg.
Poilievre added, however, that Canadian oil producers are currently selling their product to U.S. refiners at a discount but placed the blame on Canadian politics rather than the buyers.
“It’s not the Americans’ fault, it’s our fault, we’re stupid. And we’re going to stop being stupid when I’m prime minister,” the Conservative leader said.