5.38°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

AlbertaMar 12, 2026

Treaty 6 leaders raise Alberta separatism concerns during meeting with King Charles

The grand chief of the Confederacy of Treaty Six First Nations says Indigenous leaders raised concerns about Alberta separatism during a recent meeting with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace. Grand Chief Joey Pete said the King was “very interested” in hearing directly from Treaty 6 leadership and listened closely as chiefs described issues affecting First Nations in the region, including political discussions in Alberta about possible separation from Canada. Pete said the King expressed concern after hearing about the issue and told leaders he would seek to learn more. According to Pe
federal-cap-limits-non-sufficient-funds-bank-fees-to-10-starting-thursday
CanadaMar 12, 2026

Federal cap limits non-sufficient funds bank fees to $10 starting Thursday

New federal rules limiting how much banks can charge when customers do not have enough money in their accounts to cover a cheque or pre-authorized payment took effect Thursday. The regulations cap non-sufficient funds (NSF) fees at $10 for personal deposit accounts. According to the federal government, banks previously charged as much as $50 for the same type of transaction. Under the new rules, banks are also prohibited from charging more than one NSF fee within two business days for the same deposit account. Financial institutions also cannot charge an NSF fee if the account shortfall is les
canada-wide-warrant-issued-for-24-year-old-man-charged-in-surrey-homicide-of-navdeep-kaur
CanadaMar 11, 2026

Canada-wide warrant issued for 24-year-old man charged in Surrey homicide of Navdeep Kaur

A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for a 24-year-old man charged with second-degree murder in the death of a Surrey woman who was reported missing in 2024. Integrated Homicide Investigation Team said 24-year-old Amarbir Singh has been charged in the killing of 28-year-old Navdeep Kaur. Police say Kaur was reported missing by family members to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Surrey on Feb. 23, 2024. Investigators with the Surrey RCMP Missing Persons Unit gathered evidence that led them to believe she had been the victim of a homicide. IHIT took over the case in March 2024 and worked wit
pacific-storm-brings-wind-warnings-and-mountain-snow-across-southern-b-c
BCMar 11, 2026

Pacific storm brings wind warnings and mountain snow across southern B.C.

A Pacific storm system moved into southwestern British Columbia on Wednesday, bringing wind warnings for coastal communities and fresh snowfall forecasts for higher elevations across the province. Environment Canada said in a special weather statement that there is a slight chance of brief sea-level snowfall in parts of Metro Vancouver as the system moves through. Any low-elevation snow is expected to be short-lived. Flurries earlier in the week did not accumulate at Vancouver International Airport, keeping Vancouver on track for what could become its first officially snow-free winter in more
WorldMar 11, 2026

International Energy Agency to release 400 million barrels from emergency reserves amid Middle East conflict

The International Energy Agency says it will release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to help offset supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to the agency, the move is intended to stabilize global oil markets and reduce pressure from rising crude prices as the war affects supply routes and production in the region. The IEA said the decision represents the largest coordinated release of emergency oil stocks in the agency’s history. The organization has not yet confirmed when the oil will begin entering global markets or how quickly the

Related News