In an emotional farewell that resonated with many, Justin Trudeau grew visibly teary-eyed during his final press conference as prime minister, reassuring Canadians that the country stands strong and united against Donald Trump’s threats.
As his tenure came to an end, Trudeau took a firm stance against Trump, refusing to hold back in his final days in office.
In a bold and defiant speech, the 53-year-old leader made it clear that Canada would not bow down after Trump launched a trade war against its closest ally, threatening to slap a hefty 25% tariff on nearly all Canadian goods.
Once dubbed Canada’s “hot prime minister,” Trudeau accused Trump of deliberately trying to “collapse the Canadian economy” as a way to make annexation easier—something the U.S. president had openly expressed interest in.
Despite the threats, Trudeau reassured Canadians that the country would stand its ground.
“When it comes to defending our great nation, there’s no price we aren’t willing to pay,” he declared.
Referencing a recent Wall Street Journal editorial that criticized Trump’s trade moves as “dumb,” Trudeau had a pointed message for the president: “Donald, you’re a very smart guy, [but] this is a very dumb thing to do.”
Tariff Standoff
In early March, for the second time, Trump temporarily postponed the 25% tariffs on Canadian exports that complied with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), extending the pause until April 2.
However, Canada responded with its own countermeasures, including a 25% surcharge on U.S.-bound electricity—affecting around 1.5 million customers—beginning March 10 and remaining in effect until the tariffs are lifted.
Additionally, U.S.-made alcohol was pulled from store shelves in Ontario and British Columbia.
‘Canadians First’
After serving for a decade, Trudeau officially announced his decision to step down on January 6, 2025. In his final address to the nation, he reflected on his time in office, acknowledging both victories and challenges.
During his tenure, the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau navigated a decade of turbulence—from dealing with Donald Trump’s presidency to leading Canada through a historic pandemic, economic struggles, a war in Ukraine, and even his personal separation from his wife of nearly 20 years.
Known for his charisma and ability to connect with people, Trudeau rarely displayed raw emotion in public. However, on March 6, as he addressed the nation from Ottawa, he fought back tears while expressing deep gratitude to Canadians and his team.
“Every single day in this office, I have put Canadians first. I have had their backs,” he said. “And I want to tell you all: We’ve got you.”
He vowed that even in the final days of his administration, his government would not abandon Canadians.
“These have been complicated times, but this is the job I signed up for. And I will continue to do it until the very last moment,” he added, his voice thick with emotion.
When asked by a reporter why he was so moved, Trudeau simply replied: “Serving Canadians has been the honour of my life.”
His farewell speech was a mix of gratitude, reflection, and a rare display of vulnerability from a leader who shaped Canadian politics for nearly a decade.
‘We’ve Got You’
As Trudeau stepped away, the government faced economic uncertainty, with inflation concerns and the ongoing trade war with the U.S. complicating the transition. With the American administration continuously shifting the rules on CUSMA carve-outs, the road ahead remained uncertain.
Still, Trudeau reassured Canadians: “Every day in office, I have put Canadians first, had their backs, and I’m here to tell you—we’ve got you. Even in these final days, we won’t let Canadians down.”
‘Elbows Up’
“We’re a country that will be diplomatic when we can—but we’ll fight when we must,” Trudeau said in his farewell speech on March 9. “Elbows up!”
The phrase, popularized by hockey legend Gordie Howe, was a reference to the gritty, no-nonsense attitude he brought to the ice. Recently, Canadian comedian Mike Myers even revived it during a Saturday Night Live appearance, wearing a “Canada is not for sale” T-shirt and turning “Elbows up” into a rallying cry against Trump.
What are your thoughts on politicians showing genuine emotion? Share your opinion on this story and let us know what you think!