Saskatchewan politicians react to Trudeau's resignation announcement

Following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement on Monday, reaction from politicians around the world quickly began to circulate, including in Saskatchewan.

Trudeau announced his intention to stay on as prime minister until a party leadership race is complete, he also announced the prorogation of parliament until March 24 – to allow the process to play out.

Saskatchewan NDP leader Carla Beck was the first to release a statement following Trudeau’s news conference at Rideau Cottage and said it’s time for Canadians to unite.

"It’s clear the chaos in Ottawa will not end for some time. I share the deep frustration of Saskatchewan residents and Canadians that internal politics has taken centre stage over the need for a coordinated and united response to the great challenges facing our province and nation," Beck said.

Beck said with incoming President Donald Trump’s threat of 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods she has written to Premier Scott Moe offering full support to help protect the province’s economy and future.

"That offer stands – we must put aside partisan interests and focus on our province," she added.

Senator Denise Batters, who is from Regina, said that Trudeau’s intentions were selfish because he did not call an election on Monday.

• Download the CTV News app for Sask. related breaking news alerts on your mobile device

"If Justin Trudeau actually cared about Canadian democracy, he would have called an election today," Batters said on X. "He would not have shuttered Parliament for three months at a critical time - for a Liberal leadership race," she added in the post.

Conservative MPs across Saskatchewan are also calling for an election. MP for Regina-Lewvan Warren Steinley and Andrew Scheer, MP for Regina-Qu’Appelle, both called for an election on Monday in their posts to X.

"Trudeau's resignation changes nothing," Sheer's post opened with.

"Every Liberal MP supported Trudeau’s disastrous policies that hiked taxes, drove prices up, doubled housing cost and unleashed crime in our communities."

Newly elected Mayor of Regina Chad Bachynski was more conciliatory in his message – thanking the outgoing Prime Minister for his leadership over the past nine years.

“Throughout his tenure, he has been dedicated in guiding our nation through numerous challenges. I extend my gratitude for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” Bachynski wrote in the statement.

"I fully support a decision that represents the best interest of all Canadians. Looking ahead, I am hopeful that the new government will continue to prioritize the well-being of our citizens, foster economic growth and address the pressing issues facing our nation."

Saskatoon Mayor Cynthia Block, also new to her position, said in a response to CTV News that she will be happy to work with any federal leader Canadians elect in the upcoming federal election. She also thanked Trudeau for his service.

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe didn’t immediately respond to the news Monday but said via a statement on Tuesday morning that he is reiterating his call for an immediate federal election.

“I reiterate my call for an immediate election so that Canadians may choose who will represent them. Suspending parliament to take months to settle who will lead the liberal party is not giving Canadians the choice they desire or deserve,” Moe said in the statement.

Moe then said that they will remain focused on Saskatchewan people and addressing affordability, engaging on increased market access, investment attraction and continuing to engage with the USA on ensuring border security for those that live on either side of the border.