On March 9, in an emotional farewell speech at the Liberal Party conference, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau broke down as he looked toward Canada’s uncertain future. With tears threatening to spill over, Trudeau delivered a poignant message about the challenges and resilience of the Canadian people—reminding us of the many crises the country has overcome and the strength that lies within its diverse communities.

Having resigned on January 6 amid mounting domestic issues that rendered him widely unpopular, Trudeau’s final remarks carried the weight of a leader bidding farewell while also setting a tone for the future. His speech was as much about personal reflection as it was about charting a course for Canada, which now faces a renewed trade conflict with its southern neighbor.

II. Setting the Stage: The Turbulent End of an Era
A. The Resignation and the Political Landscape
Justin Trudeau’s departure from office was the culmination of months of political and economic turbulence. Facing growing public dissatisfaction and a series of domestic challenges, Trudeau’s resignation marked the end of an era characterized by progressive ambition intertwined with controversy. Yet, even as he stepped down, his final act was to make a bold policy statement—announcing that Canada would impose a 25% tariff on $155 billion of American goods. This move was designed as a countermeasure to similar tariffs imposed by the United States, a retaliatory step in a simmering trade war that highlights the increasingly complex dynamics between the two allies.