Trudeau's resignation could lead to changes for Sask/Ottawa relationship

Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party will be losing its most prominent "opponent" in the coming months – with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing he intends to step down pending a leadership race.

Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party will be losing its most prominent "opponent" in the coming months – with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing he intends to step down pending a leadership race.

Trudeau addressed reporters outside Rideau Cottage Monday morning.

"Last night, during dinner, I shared with my children the decision that I am sharing with you all today," he said on the steps of his official residence.

"I cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election."

Trudeau’s announcement comes after a tumultuous end to 2024 for the minority Liberal government – which saw Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland resign from her role hours before the government’s fall economic update.

The rift between Saskatchewan’s provincial government and the Moe’s Liberals has been longstanding – with Moe even identifying the federal government as one of the "biggest threats" facing Saskatchewan in his government’s 2023 Speech from the Throne.

Sparring on many issues – none more frequent than the federal carbon tax.