What Does It Mean To 'Prorogue Parliament': Justin Trudeau Resigns 40 Years After His Father

Justin Trudeau, Canada's Prime Minister, has announced his resignation amid declining support for his leadership, mirroring a pivotal moment in Canadian history when his father, Pierre Trudeau, stepped down four decades ago.

Trudeau's departure coincides with his decision to prorogue Parliament until 24 March, suspending legislative activity while the Liberal Party selects a new leader.

READ MORE: Why Did Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau's Father, Resign as Prime Minister 40 Years Ago?

What Is Proroguing Parliament?

Proroguing Parliament temporarily halts its current session without dissolving it, ending all pending legislative business, including bills and committee investigations. The Governor General, on the Prime Minister's advice, enacts this measure. While existing laws remain unaffected, any unfinished bills require unanimous House consent to resume from their previous stage.

This move freezes all committees, including those investigating government scandals such as the controversial WE Charity affair, which implicated Trudeau's administration. Critics contend that prorogation can be exploited to avoid scrutiny, an allegation previously levelled at Trudeau when he employed the tactic in 2020 during intense political scrutiny.

Trudeau's Leadership Faces Growing Criticism

Trudeau's resignation comes as his Liberal Party experiences historic lows, polling at just 16% among voters—trailing the Conservatives and the NDP. Discontent within his ranks had been building, with both the Atlantic and Ontario Liberal caucuses urging him to step aside.

This dramatic decline in support follows a tenure marked by ambitious policies targeting reconciliation with Indigenous communities, progressive taxation, and harm reduction initiatives. While these efforts initially garnered praise, critics argue that mismanagement, rising costs, and unmet promises have defined his leadership in recent years.

According to reports, Trudeau's policies—such as expanding drug consumption sites and loosening immigration requirements—were met with initial enthusiasm but are now linked to economic challenges and societal strain. His government also faced significant backlash over ethics violations, including the WE Charity scandal.

Parallels with Pierre Trudeau's Resignation

Justin Trudeau's resignation draws parallels with that of his father, Pierre Trudeau, who left office in 1984 amid economic challenges and waning public support. Pierre, a charismatic and polarising figure, is remembered for introducing Canada's bilingual policy and repatriating its Constitution. Despite his achievements, economic turbulence and rising unemployment marred his later years in office, leading to his resignation.

Similarly, Justin Trudeau's tenure saw transformative moments, such as the legalisation of cannabis and the introduction of a gender-balanced Cabinet. However, his administration's perceived shortcomings, from housing crises to stalled reconciliation efforts, have overshadowed his accomplishments.

A Liberal Party in Crisis

The Liberal Party now faces a critical juncture as it seeks a leader capable of reviving its fortunes before the next election.

Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who resigned in December after disagreements with Trudeau over economic policies, has been tipped as a potential successor. Her departure further destabilised the party, compounding its challenges.

Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, buoyed by high polling figures, has capitalised on public discontent with Trudeau's government. Analysts predict a contentious election, with many former Liberal supporters likely to switch allegiance or abstain from voting altogether.

A Symbolic Moment in Canadian Politics

Trudeau's decision to prorogue Parliament and resign marks a significant turning point for Canadian politics. While prorogation provides the Liberal Party with a chance to regroup, it also highlights the fragility of political legacies.

Forty years after Pierre Trudeau's resignation, the Trudeau name remains central to Canada's political narrative—a reminder of both the power and impermanence of political influence.