Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation as Prime Minister of Canada after leading the country since 2015. He will remain in office until a leadership race is completed within the Liberal Party, with the winner set to become the next Prime Minister until an election is called.
Trudeau's decision comes amidst declining popularity and increasing calls from within his party for him to step down. He stated, “This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”
The resignation coincides with the implementation of the Online Streaming Act, also known as Bill C-11, which represents the first significant update to Canada’s Broadcasting Act, aiming to modernize the country’s arts policy for the digital era.
As the political landscape shifts, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is currently leading in the polls. Poilievre has publicly opposed the Streaming Act's requirement for major foreign streaming services to contribute 5% of their Canadian revenues to support local content, comparing it to a tax. He posted, “Spotify prices are going up thanks to Trudeau,” although the regulation does not explicitly mandate such price increases.
Trudeau's government had previously announced a $32 million increase in funding for the Canada Music Fund and $31 million for festivals and arts performances, which received positive feedback from industry associations.
As the future of Canadian politics remains uncertain, Trudeau's resignation marks a significant shift in the political narrative as the country prepares for an upcoming federal election.