Local reaction after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau decides to step down

CTV National News: Looking at Trudeau's career With nearly a decade as prime minister and 18 years in politics, Justin Trudeau's leadership era is at an end. Allison Bamford reports.

Politicians and voters have mixed feelings after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday.

Karen Redman, current chair for the Region of Waterloo and former Liberal MP in the late 1990’s to mid-2000’s, believes Trudeau’s decision must have been a difficult one to make.

“Having been there and been on the inside, it's a very demanding job,” she told CTV News. “I applaud him for doing what he thinks is in the best interest of the country.”

Trudeau’s move means parliament is prorogued, or paused, until the end of March.

“The business of government won't stop, it will continue,” Redman said. “Those priorities of both the Region of Waterloo and Canada will be, I think, very well represented.”

Opposition reacts

Mike Morrice, Kitchener Centre’s Green Party MP, said the timing of Trudeau’s announcement is not ideal.

“We're left wondering where the government will restart,” he said.

Morrice believes Trudeau should have made the decision earlier, and not when the incoming U.S. administration is threatening steep tariffs.

“It creates significant instability at a time when many folks in our community, and Canadians, are looking for stability from the federal government through really choppy waters,” he said.

Kitchener mayor reflects

Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, meanwhile, is reflecting on Trudeau’s time as Prime Minister.

He said Trudeau visited locally about a dozen times over the last nine years, adding that he appreciates all of Trudeau’s hard work.

“And really creating a new tone, I think, in terms of how the federal government needs to work with Canadian cities,” Vrbanovic explained.

The mayor has pledged to work closely with whomever becomes the next Prime Minister.

“Making sure we advocate for our needs,” Vrbanovic said.

Voters weigh in

Residents told CTV News they expected the announcement they after a tumultuous last few months.

“As someone who is a new voter, I believe that it's important that we take initiative to make sure that something like this won't happen again,” said one Kitchener resident, adding that they did not want to see someone in the job who “doesn't fulfill their promises.”

Another resident said Trudeau’s work during the pandemic was admirable, considering it was such a difficult time for many.

“I thought he did a somewhat reasonable job and the best is he could,” he said. “It's too bad. It's so sad. And even if somebody steps up from the Liberal cabinet, are they going to do better? I doubt it very much.”