Nine months after his resignation, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues to captivate public attention, blending mundane errands with high-profile romance in a uniquely Canadian post-political chapter.
From Political Decline to Personal Resurgence
The signs of a shifting political landscape were unmistakable as 2024 drew to a close. Justin Trudeau's approval ratings had plummeted while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's soared. The Liberal government lost a pair of byelections, saw the crucial support of the NDP withdraw, and faced mounting dissent within its own caucus.
A pivotal moment came with the abrupt resignation of long-time senior minister Chrystia Freeland, who cited policy disagreements with Trudeau. The prime minister's challenges were not confined to Ottawa; during a Christmas 2024 visit to a British Columbia ski resort, a woman bluntly told him to "please get the f— out of B.C." Trudeau responded with a chuckle and wished her a wonderful day.
Recognizing these red flags, Trudeau tendered his resignation in January 2025. He formally handed leadership of the Liberal Party to Mark Carney in March 2025, following a leadership convention.
A Lifetime in the Spotlight
Unlike most former prime ministers who fade from public view, Trudeau has maintained a conspicuous presence. This is not surprising, given his lifelong status as a public figure. He was born on Christmas Day 1971, the first child of 51-year-old Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and his 22-year-old wife, Margaret Sinclair. His birth made front-page news across the country.
Nelson Wiseman, political science professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, noted the unique mystique surrounding the Trudeau family at the time. Justin spent much of his early youth at 24 Sussex Drive and was a regular fixture at public events with his father and brothers, Alexandre "Sacha" and Michel.
After a more private period following his father's 1984 departure from office, Justin Trudeau re-entered the national spotlight with his poignant eulogy at Pierre Trudeau's funeral in 2000. Despite telling CTV in 1995 he would never enter politics, he ran and was narrowly elected in a Montreal riding in 2008. By 2015, the 44-year-old former teacher became Canada's second-youngest prime minister and the first directly descended from a previous PM.
Life After 24 Sussex: Errands and International Romance
In the months since leaving office, Trudeau's life has become a blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary. He has been spotted doing routine shopping at Canadian Tire, embracing a more casual lifestyle often highlighted by his choice of sneakers.
However, his personal life has generated international headlines. He has been romantically linked with global pop superstar Katy Perry. Their relationship has included reported meet-ups in Montreal, time together in California, and a joint appearance at a Paris premiere, creating a detailed timeline of a new romance that few could have predicted for the former statesman.
Financially, Trudeau is secure in his post-political life. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation estimates his two pensions are worth a combined $8.4 million.
Justin Trudeau's journey demonstrates that for some, political exit is not an end to public life but a transition to a different kind of fame. His story continues to unfold, watched with keen interest by Canadians and the world alike.
