Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is increasingly likely to announce his resignation as leader of the ruling Liberal Party, according to a source familiar with his thinking. While no final decision has been made, the announcement could come as early as Monday, reports "The Globe and Mail".

The potential departure marks a significant moment for Trudeau, who has served as prime minister for nine years, leading the Liberals to power in 2015 with a progressive agenda. His resignation would leave the party searching for a permanent leader at a critical juncture, as polls suggest the Liberals face a tough battle against the opposition Conservatives in the next federal election, required by October 2025.

Trudeau's leadership has come under increasing scrutiny following a series of poor polling results and the loss of traditionally safe Liberal seats in recent by-elections. Concerns over his ability to reverse the party’s fortunes have led several Liberal parliamentarians to publicly urge him to step aside.

Sources indicated that Trudeau is expected to make his decision known before an emergency meeting of Liberal legislators scheduled for Wednesday. The prime minister’s office has not commented on the reports, and Trudeau’s Monday schedule lists him as participating virtually in a cabinet committee meeting on Canada-U.S. relations.

If Trudeau resigns, it remains unclear whether he will stay on as prime minister until a new Liberal leader is chosen or step aside immediately. Discussions have reportedly taken place with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc about the possibility of serving as interim leader, though this could be complicated if LeBlanc decides to run for the leadership himself.

Trudeau’s tenure has been marked by significant achievements, including advancing women’s rights and fighting climate change, but challenges have mounted in recent years. His handling of the pandemic, rising inflation, housing affordability crisis, and a controversial immigration policy have drawn criticism.

The prime minister also faced internal dissent, notably from Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who resigned in December after clashing with Trudeau over spending proposals. Freeland accused him of prioritizing “political gimmicks” over the country’s best interests in a candid resignation letter.

Trudeau took over the Liberal Party in 2013, revitalizing it after a period of decline and leading it to a decisive victory in 2015. His early promises of “sunny ways” and progressive governance resonated with voters, but the realities of leadership, compounded by the pandemic, have eroded public support.

If Trudeau steps down, it could trigger calls for a snap election to secure stable leadership as Canada navigates a complex political and economic landscape. The Liberal Party faces a significant test in charting a path forward without the leader who has defined it for over a decade.

As Canada waits for Trudeau’s decision, the nation braces for a potential turning point in its political history.