PM praises ‘good friend of Australia’ Justin Trudeau after resignation

Anthony Albanese has commented on Justin Trudeau’s resignation, calling him “a good friend of Australia”.

Anthony Albanese has praised Justin Trudeau after the Canadian Prime Minister announced he is resigning amid haemorrhaging support within his party.

Mr Trudeau’s popularity has plummeted in recent years, with polls painting a grim picture for the governing Liberal Party’s chances at the general election in October.

Mr Albanese on Tuesday called his outgoing Canadian counterpart “a good friend of Australia” who had “worked closely with both Labor and Coalition governments”.

“I will say this as well about Justin Trudeau, every single time that has been a natural disaster in Australia, we have had Canadians on the ground here, whether it be flooding events, bushfires,” he told reporters.

“I wish Justin Trudeau all the very best in whatever he chooses to do next in his life.

“I regard him as a personal friend but he is a great friend of Australia.”

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) says Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau (left) is a ‘great friend of Australia’. Picture: Andres Valle / AFP

Mr Trudeau announced his resignation on Monday evening (local time) after nearly a decade in the job.

He said he would remain prime minister until his party picked a new leader.

“I’m a fighter. Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians,” he told a press conference.

“I care deeply about this country, and I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians.”

Mr Trudeau has been grappling with many of the same cost of living challenges facing Mr Albanese.

Much like Australians, Canadians have been forking out more on groceries and housing since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic.