by Jen Mallia
Last updated: 6:45 PM ET, Mon January 6, 2025
With the not entirely unexpected news on Monday of Justin Trudeau’s resignation from his role as Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader once his replacement has been chosen, reactions across the country were mixed.
Many MPs and public figures took to social media, issuing statements either extending thanks and warm wishes, welcoming the chance for new leadership, or in what might be considered typically Canadian fashion, staying politely neutral, at least in public.
On X, Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism recalled her 20 years of working with Trudeau fondly, saying it was “an honour and a privilege” to witness his leadership up close.
What a leadership race, new Prime Minister, and possible election mean for the travel industry remains to be seen.
In a statement from ACTA, president Wendy Paradis acknowledged the political developments in Ottawa, saying, ”As the national voice for Canada's retail travel industry, we remain committed to working constructively with all elected officials and party
leaders to advance the interests of travel agencies and travel advisors.”
She went on to reiterate ACTA’s continued dedication to advocacy on key industry priorities, such as eliminating friction for travellers and encouraging a competitive market. “We look forward to engaging with all parliamentarians and political leaders
to ensure the retail travel industry's perspective is well represented in policy discussions that affect our sector,” Paradis says.
Justin Trudeau became the leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in 2013 and Prime Minister in 2015. His travels were often the focus of media attention, here and abroad, with fans crowding for selfies with the young head of state and expenditures (such
as a reported $71000 bill for food in Europe this June) that
were sometimes the object of scrutiny.
