Outgoing Canadian PM Justin Trudeau bids farewell: We'll fight when we must

Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed supporters on stage, reflecting on his tenure and urging them to stay engaged in the country’s future on Monday.

Speaking to a crowd of Liberal Party members, Trudeau expressed pride in his time in office. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m damn proud of what we’ve done over these past 10 years,” he said. “But tonight is about our future as a party, as a country,” he added.

Trudeau spoke of a responsibility to ensure Canada remains strong, saying Canadians are showing their values as challenges emerge. His remarks drew cheers from the audience.

Switching to French, he spoke of Canada’s diversity and its presence on the global stage. Returning to English, he addressed economic concerns, making a subtle reference to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies. “We are a country who will fight when we must, elbows up,” he said.

Trudeau called on his supporters to remain active. “Your country needs you maybe more than ever,” he said. “Liberals will meet this moment.” He described the present as a “nation-defining moment,” adding that democracy and freedom require continued effort. “It takes courage, it takes sacrifice, it takes hope and hard work.”

As he neared the end of his speech, he urged the crowd to focus on the future. “Let us not dwell on all the great things we’ve achieved over the last 10 years,” he said. “Let us inspire instead to achieve even more over the next 10 years and decades to come.”

He closed by calling for unity. “Let us remain steadfast, defiant and united. Let us not just think about our party, let us prove our love of country.”

As he left the stage, the crowd chanted his name.