9.64°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

whitecaps-beat-minnesota-6-0-off-to-greatest-start-ever-in-mls
BCMar 17, 2026

Whitecaps beat Minnesota 6-0, off to greatest start ever in MLS

The Vancouver Whitecaps team's explosive play in MLS competitions continued this past weekend, where the Vancouver Whitecaps team played its third match of the season at its home ground, BC Place Stadium. Whitecaps won the match 6-0 against Minnesota United. The Whitecaps started dominating from the beginning of the match. The home team, playing in a constant attacking mode, took a 4-0 lead in the first half. In the 8th minute of the first half for the Whitecaps, Berhalter converted a penalty into a goal. Then Brian White scored a goal in the 13th minute. After this, Laborda scored in th
WorldMar 16, 2026

Lebanon says Israeli attacks have killed nearly 900 people since March 2

Lebanon’s Health Ministry says the death toll from Israeli air and ground attacks since March 2 has risen to nearly 900 as tensions across the Middle East continue to escalate. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, at least 886 people have been killed and 2,141 others injured during Israeli strikes across parts of Lebanon over the past two weeks. The ministry said the attacks have also affected the country’s health-care system. Medical teams responding to emergencies were among those hit during the strikes. At least 38 health workers have been killed and another 69 injured w
ihit-takes-over-surrey-homicide-investigation-after-fatal-laurel-drive-shooting
CanadaMar 16, 2026

IHIT takes over Surrey homicide investigation after fatal Laurel Drive shooting

The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken over a homicide investigation following a fatal shooting early Saturday at a residence in Surrey. According to an IHIT news release, officers with the Surrey Police Service responded at about 1:40 a.m. to reports of shots fired inside a home in the 13900 block of Laurel Drive. When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Police said officers immediately provided first aid until paramedics with BC Emergency Health Services arrived. The man was later pronounced dead at the scene. A man was arrested at the residence an
ottawa-commits-200m-toward-canadian-satellite-launch-pad-in-nova-scotia
CanadaMar 16, 2026

Ottawa commits $200M toward Canadian satellite launch pad in Nova Scotia

The federal government says it will invest $200 million over the next decade to secure access to a Canadian-owned satellite launch pad in Nova Scotia, part of a broader effort to build domestic space and defence capabilities. Defence Minister David McGuinty announced the initiative Monday at a laboratory operated by the Canadian Space Agency in Ottawa. The funding will be used to lease a launch pad near Canso that Ottawa says will form the foundation for a future Canadian spaceport. Canada currently relies on other countries, primarily the United States, to send satellites into orbit because i
environment-canada-warns-of-heavy-rain-wind-and-snow-across-parts-of-b-c-as-atmospheric-river-approaches
BCMar 16, 2026

Environment Canada warns of heavy rain, wind and snow across parts of B.C. as atmospheric river approaches

Environment Canada says parts of British Columbia are expected to see heavy rain, strong winds and periods of snow this week as an atmospheric river approaches the coast. The federal forecaster says Metro Vancouver, the Sunshine Coast and Howe Sound could receive up to 150 millimetres of rain by Wednesday, with prolonged heavy rainfall forecast to begin early this week. According to Environment Canada weather warnings, some areas could also see rain mixed with snow, raising concerns about rising river levels and localized flooding. Environment Canada has issued yellow weather warnings indicati

Related News