With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation this week, Chatham-Kent’s mayor says it’s hard to predict how this change will impact the municipality going forward.
Mayor Darrin Canniff said he’s hopeful the change in Canada’s leadership does not negatively affect the application process for federal funding.
“We’ve been applying for all different sorts of government grants, we’ve done a lot of lobbying with the federal government for funding. So in an election year, hopefully, that helps as well that more money comes our way,” said Canniff.
Trudeau announced on Monday that he would be stepping down as prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party. He also announced that Parliament will be prorogued until March 24.
With US President-Elect Donald Trump threatening to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canada once he is in office, Canniff said a Liberal leadership race and a federal election in 2025 could leave the country in a precarious position.
“It will be interesting to see how it plays out. First off you have to look at the macro economy,” said Canniff. “With Justin Trudeau stepping down and a new leader [coming in] could change things with our friends to the south… Hopefully that works out better for us.”
Trudeau is expected to remain in the role of prime minister until after a party leadership race can be held.
