Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks during a press availability Monday in Yukon
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced that he will not seek re-election in his Montreal riding of Papineau in the next general election.
This decision comes shortly after his declaration that he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party once a new leader is elected.
Trudeau was first elected to represent the Papineau riding in 2008, narrowly defeating the Bloc Quebecois.
Over his political career, he led the Liberal Party to a significant victory in 2015 and has served as Prime Minister for more than nine years.
The Liberal Party has scheduled a national leadership race for March 9 to select Trudeau’s successor. Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney is expected to officially enter the race this Thursday, with former finance minister Chrystia Freeland likely to follow shortly afterward.
