OTTAWA—Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation plan at a late-morning news conference in the nation’s capital, the Star has learned.
Trudeau is expected to announce he will resign, but for the time being he intends to stay on as Liberal party leader until a new leader is chosen, a source said.
A senior government source has also confirmed that Trudeau met with Governor General Mary Simon early Monday morning and received her approval to prorogue Parliament until March 24.
It is far from clear whether that will satisfy his mutinous caucus, most of which have now — at least privately in caucus meetings — called for him to leave.
Trudeau will take questions at a news conference outside Rideau Cottage, the residence he has occupied for more than nine years since becoming prime minister, said a senior source.
After a full-on press from most of his fellow MPs to leave the top job after Chrystia Freeland quit as his finance minister in mid-December, Trudeau could no longer ignore calls, including those by his Ontario, Atlantic and Quebec caucuses that it was time to go.
Prorogation suspends the current Parliament, which was set to return at the end of January. It will mean the end of any legislation currently before the House of Commons and force the government to reopen with a throne speech when the commons comes back.
It also means the Liberals will be able to avoid any confidence votes during this time.
The Star reported Sunday that Trudeau will announce his intentions before an emergency Liberal caucus meeting on Wednesday.
Details of Trudeau’s exit were still being discussed Sunday night, including the exact timing of the announcement, the source said.
This is a developing story.
