In a moment that captured the hearts of many, Justin Trudeau got teary-eyed during his final press conference as prime minister, reassuring Canadians that the country is “elbows up” and united against Donald Trump’s threats.
In his final days as prime minister, Justin Trudeau dropped his gloves when it came to President Donald Trump.
In a bold and defiant speech, the 53-year-old made it clear that Canada won’t back down after Trump launched a trade war with its closest ally, threatening to impose a massive 25% tariff on virtually all Canadian goods.
Trudeau – once known as Canada’s “hot prime minister” – accused Trump of trying to trigger “a total collapse of the Canadian economy” because it will “make it easier to annex us,” something the U.S. president has repeatedly said he wants to do.
The PM, however, assured Canadians that the country would fight back with everything it has.
“When it comes to defending our great nation, there is no price we all aren’t willing to pay,” he declared.
Referencing a recent Wall Street Journal editorial that called Trump’s trade action against allies “dumb,” Trudeau said he had a message for the president: “Donald, you are a very smart guy, [but] this is a very dumb thing to do.”
Tariff pause
In early March, for the second time, Trump temporarily paused implementation of 25% tariffs on Canadians exports “compliant” with the terms of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) until April 2.
But Canada responded with a tariff plan of its own, including a 25% surcharge on all U.S.-bound electricity – to about 1.5 million customers – that started on March 10 and will continue until the tariffs are gone.
In addition, U.S.-made alcohol has also been removed from stores in Ontario and British Columbia.
‘Canadians first’
Stepping down from the position he held for 10 years – a decision he announced on January 6, 2025 – Trudeau spoke to Canadians for the last time as the prime minister.
Over his tenure, Trudeau – the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau – has had “10 years of Donald Trump,” a “historic once-in-a-century pandemic,” an “inflation crises,” a “war in Ukraine,” and in his personal life, a separation with his wife of almost 20 years.
Known for his charm, charisma, and ability to connect with people, Trudeau was rarely seen in a deeply personal and emotional state according to People.
But on March 6, as he spoke to Canadians from Ottawa, the former Liberal Party leader got teary-eyed as he rexpressed profound gratitude toward Canadians and his team, acknowledging both triumphs and struggles.
“On a personal level, I’ve made sure that every single day in this office, I put Canadians first, that I have people’s backs,” said Trudeau. “And that’s why I’m here to tell you all that we got you.”
“Even in the very last days of this government, we will not let Canadians down – today and well into the future,” Trudeau continued.
“These have been complicated times. This is the job I signed up for. This is the job I will continue to do until the very last moment I’m doing this job,” he explained, his eyes starting to well up with tears.
When a reporter asked why he was getting emotional, he replied: “This has been the honour of my life serving Canadians.”
The farewell speech was a mix of gratitude, reflection, and an unmistakable display of vulnerability from the leader who has shaped Canada’s political landscape for nearly a decade.
‘We’ve got you’
As he stepped down, the federal government faces the potential of inflation spiking and further economic fallout now that Canada and the U.S. are weeks into a trade war, with the U.S. administration continually moving the goalposts on potential CUSMA carve-outs and exemptions.
“I’ve made sure that every single day in this office I put Canadians first, that I have people’s backs, and that’s why I’m here to tell you all, that we’ve got you. Even in the very last days of this government, we will not let Canadians down,” Trudeau said in his emotional speech, his eyes filled with tears.
‘Elbows up’
“We’re a country that will be diplomatic when we can – but fight when we must: “Elbows up!” Trudeau said in his farewell address on March 9.
“Elbows Up!” was first made popular by the legendary hockey player Gordie Howe, who was notorious for using his elbows when fighting for the puck on the ice.
During a recent appearance on Saturday Night Live, Canadian comedian Mike Myers – wearing a “Canada is not for sale” t-shirt – mouthed the words “Elbows up” and turned the decades-old phrase into rally cry against Trump.
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