After nearly a decade leading Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced his resignation, leaving behind a legacy marked by both achievements and significant controversies. His departure follows mounting pressure from within his own Liberal Party concerning his economic and immigration policies. Let's revisit five key moments that defined his time in office and sparked debate both domestically and internationally.

The Blackface Scandal

Images of Trudeau in blackface emerged in 2019, igniting a firestorm of criticism. The incidents, occurring on multiple occasions, included a 2001 Arabian Nights-themed gala and a high school performance. Trudeau admitted to the instances, expressing regret and acknowledging the racist history of blackface. However, his inability to specify the exact number of occurrences fueled further controversy, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when his critics seized upon the issue.

Justin Trudeau (Arlyn McAdorey/Bloomberg via Getty Images/File)

Differing Views on Protests: Freedom Convoy vs. Black Lives Matter

Canada's stringent COVID-19 restrictions, including vaccine mandates and lockdowns, led to widespread protests in 2022, most notably the "Freedom Convoy." Trudeau criticized the convoy for what he termed "hateful rhetoric" and contrasted his stance with his support for Black Lives Matter protests. This juxtaposition drew considerable attention, given the largely peaceful nature of the Freedom Convoy demonstrations and the concurrent debates surrounding BLM's calls to defund the police.

Police and protesters in Ottawa, Canada, on Feb. 18, 2022. (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images)

Pandemic Lockdowns and Legal Battles

The COVID-19 pandemic saw numerous legal challenges to Canada's lockdown measures. Pastor Artur Pawlowski became a central figure, facing repeated arrests and fines for holding religious services in defiance of restrictions. His case highlighted the tensions between public health measures and individual freedoms, garnering international attention. The pandemic also significantly impacted businesses, with many struggling under lockdown orders and some facing legal action for non-compliance. The economic fallout, including a rise in restaurant bankruptcies, continues to be felt.

Critique of US Voters Following 2024 Election

Following the 2024 US Presidential election, Trudeau, a self-proclaimed "proud feminist," expressed disappointment that American voters had not elected their first female president. His remarks, made after a meeting with then President-elect Trump, sparked debate about the role of gender in electoral politics and the appropriateness of commenting on another country's democratic process. The incident added another layer to the complex relationship between the US and Canada.

Honoring a Nazi Veteran in Parliament

A significant controversy erupted in 2023 when a 99-year-old veteran, Yaroslav Hunka, who had served in a Nazi SS division, was honored in the Canadian Parliament during a visit by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both Trudeau and Zelenskyy were present during the standing ovation given to Hunka. The incident prompted swift apologies from Trudeau and the resignation of the House of Commons speaker. It served as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance against historical revisionism and the complexities of wartime allegiances.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau with Yaroslav Hunka in Ottawa on Sept. 22, 2023. (Patrick Doyle/The Canadian Press via AP)