Terri-Anne Bowyer is constituency manager for the UCP in Cypress-Medicine Hat. The opinions expressed are her ownJustin Trudeau's announcement of his resignation while remaining as interim leader until a yet-undetermined date marks another chapter in his pattern of putting personal interests above national needs. His decision to prorogue Parliament until March, coupled with an uncertain Liberal leadership race timeline, creates a dangerous power vacuum at a pivotal moment for Canada.The timing couldn't be worse. With Donald Trump's return to the White House looming and his explicit threats of punitive tariffs against Canada, our nation requires decisive leadership and swift policy responses. Instead, we face months of effectively operating under a lame duck prime minister, unable to forge strong diplomatic positions or negotiate forcefully on behalf of Canadian interests.While provincial leaders such as Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have admirably stepped forward to fill the leadership void, the reality of Canadian federalism limits their ability to address national challenges. Constitutional constraints prevent premiers from conducting international trade negotiations or implementing nationwide economic policies. Their hands are tied precisely when Canada needs coordinated federal action most.The prorogation of Parliament until March further compounds this vulnerability. Should the opposition move for a no-confidence vote on the budget at that time, Canada risks entering a federal election with no approved budget to fund essential government operations. This scenario would pile administrative chaos atop diplomatic weakness.Trudeau's drawn-out exit strategy reveals a disturbing disconnect from Canada's pressing needs. A responsible leader would ensure a swift, orderly transition that maintains governmental stability and protects national interests.Instead, Trudeau has chosen a protracted departure that leaves Canada rudderless as international economic storms gather. The Liberal Party must accelerate its leadership race timeline, and Trudeau should step aside completely once a new leader is chosen. Canada cannot afford months of institutional paralysis while waiting for Trudeau's carefully choreographed exit. Our nation's economic security and diplomatic standing hang in the balance.Terri-Anne Bowyer is constituency manager for the UCP in Cypress-Medicine Hat. The opinions expressed are her own.
