Ottawa [Canada]: Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered a heartfelt farewell message on his last day in office, vowing to always remain “unapologetically and boldly” Canadian.
Hey Canada, one last thing. pic.twitter.com/ue1AfQl489
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 13, 2025
In a video posted on X with the caption, “Hey Canada, one last thing,” Trudeau expressed pride in the nation and its citizens.
“I am so proud of Canadians. I am proud to have served the country so full of people who stand up for what’s right, rise to every occasion, always have each others’ backs, when it matters the most,” he said.
“This may be my last day here in this office, but I will always be boldly and unapologetically Canadian. My only ask is no matter what the world throws at us, you always be the same,” he added.
Trudeau’s departure follows Mark Carney’s appointment as the new Liberal Party leader. Carney is set 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 Canadian ministry members will take place at Rideau Hall ballroom at 11 am EDT.
On his first day as Liberal leader, Carney met Trudeau at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss the transition timeline. By day’s end, Carney assured that the changeover would be “seamless” and “quick,” as reported by CTV News.
In preparation for his new role, Carney has been meeting with key officials in Ottawa and beyond. Additionally, steps have been taken to ensure a smooth transition both administratively and in terms of security.
A spokesperson reported that Carney, formerly with the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has placed all his assets into a blind trust. Trudeau is scheduled to visit the Governor General on Friday to officially submit his resignation before Carney takes his oaths of office and allegiance.
Carney assumes leadership at a time when polls show the Conservatives and Liberals are closely matched, amid rising concerns about Canada’s relationship with the United States.
In his final address as Liberal leader, Trudeau reflected on his party’s accomplishments over the past decade. Speaking at the Liberal Leadership Convention, he declared, “I am damn proud of what we’ve done over these past 10 years for the middle class and the people working hard to join it.”
Trudeau reminded his supporters of their responsibility to preserve Canada’s strength and unity.
“Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given,” he warned. “None of those happened by accident. None of them will continue without effort.”