After nearly a decade in power, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finally bowed to a chorus of criticism that had become too loud to ignore, announcing his resignation on Monday. Among the loudest critics was one of his most loyal and longest-serving deputies.

The front runners for the Liberal leadership are former central banker Mark Carney and ex-Finance Minster Chrystia Freeland, whose abrupt resignation last month forced Trudeau's exit.

Chrystia Freeland, a senior member of Canada’s Liberal Party, is now a probable candidate to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who resigned after nearly a decade in power. Freeland, once Trudeau’s loyal deputy,

The leadership change comes at a challenging time for Canada, with domestic and international pressures mounting.

“After a robust and secure nation-wide process, the Liberal Party of Canada will choose a new leader on March 9, and be ready to fight and win the 2025 election,” Sachit Mehra, President of the Liberal Party of Canada, said in a statement.

Canada's Liberal Party will elect a new leader following Justin Trudeau's resignation. Mark Carney and Chrystia Freeland are leading candidates.

Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Canadian prime minister on Monday, ending his nine-year tenure amid cratering support from voters and his own Liberal Party. During a Monday speech, Trudeau said he plans to remain in office until the Liberal Party selects a new leader.