-0.57°C Vancouver

Jan 7, 2025 3:47 PM - The Canadian Press

Biden praises Trudeau as friend, defender of freedom following resignation news

Share On
biden-praises-trudeau-as-friend-defender-of-freedom-following-resignation-news
Biden says he spoke with Trudeau on the phone Monday after the prime minister announced he would resign his post as soon as a new Liberal leader is chosen.(Photo: The Canadian Press)

U.S. President Joe Biden says he is proud to call Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a friend as both men now prepare for their departures from leadership.

Biden says he spoke with Trudeau on the phone Monday after the prime minister announced he would resign his post as soon as a new Liberal leader is chosen.

The president will also be vacating the White House later this month when president-elect Donald Trump begins a second administration.

In a statement Tuesday, Biden says the U.S.-Canada alliance is stronger because of Trudeau, even as his successor threatens 25 per cent tariffs against America's closest neighbours.

Biden reflected on how Trudeau was the first foreign leader he spoke with after becoming president and says the two leaders tackled many challenges together including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the "scourge of fentanyl."

The response from world leaders to Trudeau's announcement has been muted, despite the prime minister prioritizing international connections during his leadership.

Latest news

kelowna-rcmp-provincial-gang-unit-seize-weapons-and-drugs-after-enforcement-operation
BCJan 23, 2026

Kelowna RCMP, provincial gang unit seize weapons and drugs after enforcement operation

Police in Kelowna say a joint enforcement and training effort with a provincial gang unit has led to dozens of arrests and the removal of weapons and drugs from the community. The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit’s Uniform Gang Enforcement Team worked alongside Kelowna RCMP and officers from across the Okanagan between January 12 and January 16. The operation focused on identifying repeat violent offenders while also providing specialized training to local officers on weapons, firearms, and drug interdiction. According to police, the multi day initiative resulted in more than 20 new
nearly-10-000-federal-public-servants-warned-of-possible-job-cuts-unions-say
CanadaJan 23, 2026

Nearly 10,000 federal public servants warned of possible job cuts, unions say

Nearly 10,000 federal public servants across multiple departments have been notified in recent days that their positions could be affected by upcoming workforce reductions, according to the unions representing them. The Public Service Alliance of Canada says more than 5,000 of its members received workforce adjustment notices over the past week. Those notices were issued to employees working in several federal departments, including Global Affairs Canada, Transport Canada, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Health Canada. Workforce adjustment notices signal that positions
WorldJan 23, 2026

Spain declines to join Trump-backed ‘Board of Peace’ initiative

Spain has declined an invitation to participate in a proposed international initiative known as the ‘Board of Peace,’ which was launched by U.S. President Donald Trump, citing its long-standing commitment to the United Nations system. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Madrid respects the invitation extended by President Trump but will not take part in the initiative. He stated that Spain’s foreign policy remains firmly anchored in multilateral institutions, particularly the United Nations, which Spain views as the central forum for global peace and conflict resolution. Sánchez
WorldJan 23, 2026

Drone strike in eastern Ukraine kills four, including child, as peace talks continue

A Russian drone attack late Thursday in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region killed four people, including a five-year-old child, according to Ukrainian local authorities. Officials confirmed the deaths on Friday, saying the strike hit a residential area. Authorities said five other people were injured in the attack, while at least two homes were completely destroyed. Emergency crews were deployed overnight to assist residents and assess damage in the affected community. Ukrainian officials say Russia continues to press for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from Donetsk, a region that has remained a
high-court-directs-punjab-government-to-decide-amritpal-singh-parole-plea-within-seven-days
IndiaJan 23, 2026

High Court directs Punjab government to decide Amritpal Singh parole plea within seven days

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the Punjab government to take a decision within seven days on a parole petition filed by Khadoor Sahib Member of Parliament Amritpal Singh, who is seeking permission to attend Parliament’s upcoming budget session. The order was passed on Friday during a hearing on Singh’s petition, in which he requested temporary release to participate in the budget session scheduled to begin on January 28. The court instructed the state government to make a timely decision and disposed of the petition after issuing the direction. The case has drawn attention

Related News