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

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.

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

According to Jim Farney, the director and a professor at the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, the announcement is sure to change the dynamic between the two levels of government.

"Its going to be an interesting change because Moe’s made so much of his political capital out of standing up to Ottawa," Farney explained.

"If there’s no wall to push back against there then that might shift things."

However, even with the long history of animosity between the two sides – Moe and the Saskatchewan Party did not offer any comments on the resignation Monday.

Responding to the development with a statement on Tuesday, Moe reiterated his call for an immediate election.

"Suspending parliament to take months to settle who will lead the liberal party is not giving Canadians the choice they desire or deserve," the statement read.

"Your Saskatchewan Government will continue to work on solutions for Saskatchewan people. We are focused on 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."

Just five years ago, MP for Regina-Qu’Appelle Andrew Sheer faced off against Trudeau for the job of Prime Minister. Now, the former Conservative Party Leader and is watching as Trudeau steps aside.

"Unfortunately for Canadians announcement really won’t change anything," he told CTV News Monday.

"That is because Liberals support everything that Justin Trudeau has done. All the policies that have inflicted so much misery on Canadians have been supported by Liberal MPs, Liberal leadership contenders. So that is why we have been calling for a carbon tax election."

Federal Liberals now look toward a leadership race – as Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck shared that her party expects the "chaos in Ottawa" to continue into the near future.

"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 in a statement Monday morning.

Regardless of the "chaos," University of Regina Political Science Professor Tom McIntosh said the announcement does change a lot.

"We still have a government. We still have a Prime Minister and he is Prime Minister until the 24th of March when parliament is set to resume after the prorogation," he explained.

"So, its not like were without a government, it is a little bit harder to do anything too permanent, too big."

Five years have elapsed since Saskatchewan was last represented by a Liberal MP in parliament. The change in leadership may offer an opportunity for the party to rebuild in the province – although it is sure to be a lengthy process.

Parliament has been prorogued until March 24.

-With files from Rachel Aiello