Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, widely regarded as the face of Canada’s liberalism since late 2015, has announced that he will step down from his nine-year role as prime minister and 11-year position as the leader of the Liberal Party. 

His resignation comes amid Canadians’ growing concerns about his leadership, particularly in areas such as affordability and housing. 

While Trudeau’s departure from Canadian politics will directly affect domestic affairs, it may also alter Canada’s international approach to climate change, the economy, and human rights. An important question is not just how Canada will adapt to the changing global landscape, but also how other countries will respond. 

Trudeau’s resignation offers Canada a rare chance to re-establish its global standing, but any meaningful improvement will hinge on whether his successor departs from his polarizing foreign policy approach. Some criticized his decisions, including not signing the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, or his retaliatory tariffs on Trump after the ones imposed on Canada.

A leader who prioritizes strategic diplomacy and stronger alliances could mend strained relationships, while maintaining old policies may squander the opportunity for the renewal of those relationships. 

Canada and the US: climate change

Climate change remains a critical issue for every country, and Canada and the US share a longstanding commitment to working together to address it, as both have recognized the need for cross-border collaboration. The two countries also have strong economic ties, with the US being Canada’s largest trading partner. 

However, the recent changes in leadership in both countries are likely to influence efforts to combat climate change. In 2017, President Donald Trump announced plans to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, a global framework aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This decision was reversed in 2021 when Joe Biden took office. 

However, after Trump’s inauguration in 2025, he signed an order to withdraw again from the Paris Agreement, calling it a “ripoff.” While both countries have maintained a strong relationship in combating climate change, the combination of Trump in office and Trudeau not leading Canada may cause this to change. 

The Canadian Liberal and Conservative parties have differing views on climate change. Conservative candidate Pierre Poilievre has made it clear that he opposes the carbon tax: a levy on fossil fuel designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making pollution more expensive. Poilievre argues that it increases the cost of living for Canadians by driving up fuel prices without effectively lowering emissions. However, the introduction of carbon taxation, such as in British Columbia, has reduced emissions by five and 15 per cent — without affecting economic growth.

If Canada continues with a Liberal leader, the government may express more vocal concern over Trump’s climate decisions, potentially changing the way the US and Canada work together on climate action. 

A Liberal stance in Canada could continue creating tensions with America’s Republican leadership, as their differing perspectives may complicate efforts to reach an agreement.

Canada and China: human rights and economic ties

Canada and China have maintained close diplomatic ties since the 1970s, with a particularly strong economic relationship. China remains Canada’s second-largest commercial partner, significantly bolstering the Canadian economy. Despite a decline in goods exports in 2019, Canada’s trade with China has continued to rapidly grow. 

However, this relationship began to falter under Trudeau’s leadership due to disagreements over human rights issues. Ottawa’s decision to impose sanctions on eight former or current senior Chinese officials, accusing them of “grave human rights violations,” was deemed hypocritical by China’s then-Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. “Even today, Canada’s Indigenous people still face systemic racial discrimination and unfair treatment,” she said.

The future of Sino-Canadian relations hinges on the next government’s approach, with a more hawkish leader following in Trudeau’s footsteps likely deepening tensions and jeopardizing economic ties. The new administration’s foreign policy decisions will be critical in shaping the trajectory of this relationship, especially as American-Canadian relations weaken.  

Looking further

Trudeau’s resignation marks more than just a domestic shift in Canada’s political landscape; it may create change in its global relationships. As a longstanding leader in Canadian politics, his departure opens the door to a new direction for the first time in nine years.

As the world grapples with issues such as climate change, economic changes, and human rights, Canada’s role in these global discussions will be influenced by the new prime minister. The impact of this transition will be felt well beyond Canada’s borders, influencing its relationships with key global players. 

Trudeau’s resignation is not just a political event — it signals the potential for change both domestically and globally. 

Vesa Lunji is a second-year student at University College studying health & disease and cell & molecular biology. She is an International Affairs columnist for The Varsity’s Opinion section.