Ottawa: On his final day in office, outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a farewell message to the nation, pledging to remain "unapologetically and boldly" Canadian.
In a video shared on X, titled "Hey Canada, one last thing," Trudeau conveyed his pride in the country and its citizens. "I am immensely proud of Canadians. It has been an honor to serve a nation filled with individuals who advocate for what is right, rise to every challenge, and support one another when it matters most," he stated.
"Although this is my last day in this role, I will always identify as boldly and unapologetically Canadian. My only request is that, regardless of what challenges the world presents, you continue to embody that spirit," he added.
Trudeau's exit coincides with Mark Carney assuming leadership of the Liberal Party and preparing to be sworn in as Canada's 24th Prime Minister on Friday.
According to the office of Canada's Governor General Mary Simon, the swearing-in ceremony for the prime minister and members of the Canadian cabinet is scheduled to take place in the Rideau Hall ballroom at 11 am EDT.
On his first day as Liberal leader, Carney met with Trudeau at the Prime Minister's Office to discuss the duration of the transition period. By the end of the day, Carney indicated that the transition would be "seamless" and "quick," as reported by CTV News.
Since then, Carney has been engaging with key officials in Ottawa and beyond, with efforts underway to facilitate a smooth transition of power from both bureaucratic and security perspectives.
A spokesperson reported that the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England has placed all his assets into a blind trust. Trudeau is set to visit the governor general on Friday to formally submit his resignation, after which Carney will take his oaths of office and allegiance.
Carney will take office at a time when recent polls indicate a tight race between the Conservatives and Liberals, coinciding with growing concerns among Canadians regarding the relationship between Canada and the United States. The same polls suggest that Trudeau is set to conclude his term as Prime Minister, with his approval ratings reaching a peak not seen in the past year.
In his final address as the leader of the Liberal Party, Justin Trudeau reflected on the accomplishments of the party over the last decade while also looking ahead, just hours before the announcement of his successor, as reported by CBC News.
During his speech at the Liberal Leadership Convention, Trudeau expressed, "I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past ten years for the middle class and those striving to join it."
He emphasized to the audience that "we have a duty to ensure that Canada remains the best country in the world!" In one of his last addresses as both Liberal leader and Prime Minister, he encouraged his supporters to continue their efforts for Canada, as reported by CBC News.
"Democracy is not guaranteed. Freedom is not guaranteed. Even Canada is not guaranteed," he cautioned. "None of these came about by chance, and none will persist without dedicated effort."
