Mixed legacy Trudeau promised change but failed to fulfil ambitions

He swept into parliament on a surprise majority, promising change, hope and "sunny ways" as he charmed Canadians and the world with a brand that sought to embrace feminism, welcome refugees and reset Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples.

- Ashifa Kassam and Leyland Cecco

Nearly 10 years later, however, Justin Trudeau's political career has come to a halt, with the 53-yearold on Monday announcing his decision to step down.

"Last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision I'm sharing with you today," he said, adding that while he was a "fighter" he saw no path forward. "This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I'm having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election." Trudeau said he would remain as prime minister until a new leader is chosen. He also made the decision to request a prorogation of parliament, buying his ailing Liberal party precious months to avoid disaster when an election is called.

In the end, Trudeau's boyish charisma was not enough to reassure Canadians facing enormous jumps in housing prices, rocketing grocery inflation and the prospect of huge tariffs imposed by the US, the country's main trading partner.

The decision capped off a stunning, years-long turn of fortune for Trudeau, a former high school teacher and the eldest son of Pierre Trudeau, one of Canada's bestknown prime ministers. For months he had fended off calls to resign, insisting he would stay on even as a swelling chorus of his own party members urged him to go and after Chrystia Freeland, one of his most powerful and loyal ministers, delivered a scathing blow as she announced her own resignation.

The swirling questions over Trudeau's resignation sharpened after Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democratic party (NDP), recently vowed to present a parliamentary motion to topple Trudeau's government.