Canadian outlets have weighed in on the announcement of a divorce between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau.
Mr. Trudeau shared the news on social media yesterday that “after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to part ways.”
He said they would “remain a close-knit family with deep love and respect for each other and all that we have built and will continue to build.”
But commentators were quick to assess how the announcement would affect his career leading up to the 2025 election.
Columnist Jamie Sarkonak noted in the National Post yesterday: ‘The timing doesn’t bode well for the prime minister, especially as much of his personal marketing has to do with image.
Trudeau can no longer play the loving husband, the family man. He cannot live on the family file, because he cannot claim personal success in that area.’
Brian Lilley, a columnist for the Toronto sunwarned yesterday that rumors would spread “like wildfire” following the announcement, as the family chose not to disclose their reasons.
Justin Trudeau (L) and his wife, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau (R), wave to the crowd after a victory speech in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, October 22, 2019
Ustin Trudeau waits with his wife Sophie, son Hadrien and daughter Ella-Grace to cast his vote in Montreal on Oct. 19, 2015. The prime minister has cultivated a careful “family man” image
Columnist Jamie Sakonak warned that Trudeau’s political career could be damaged by the sad news
Justin Trudeau has been Prime Minister of Canada since 2015 and has served three consecutive terms.
Not until May sworn to run in the upcoming 2025 election, speaking at his Liberal party convention.
If he wins, he would become the first to serve four consecutive terms since Wilfrid Laurier in 1908.
But the news of his divorce from his wife could tarnish his public image, columnists warn.
Mr. Sarkonak wrote yesterday, “There will be no more family photos of the perfect trail ride, the perfect British Columbia getaway, or the perfect Christmas.”
The columnist said it was “no coincidence” that divorce is rare in public office. If Trudeau and his wife were to legally separate, he would become only the third in Canadian history to do so.
Mr Lilley warned that rumors could circulate following the divorce as the couple opted not to disclose the reasons.
He wrote: ‘Canadian political culture is reluctant to pry into the personal lives of politicians.
Rumors of infidelity, and marital problems in general, can circulate in Ottawa, but are almost never in the news.
“Unlike the United States, we have no tradition of valuing politicians’ spouses or expecting them to participate in political campaigns.
“There is no Canadian first lady.”
In 2014, Mr. Trudeau managed to clear up rumors of infidelity after a line in his autobiography, Common Ground, was deemed ambiguous.
The Prime Minister had talked about some of the challenges of juggling family responsibilities with the top job.
He wrote: ‘Our marriage is not perfect and we have had some difficult ups and downs, but Sophie remains my best friend, my partner, my love.
“We are honest with each other, even when it hurts.”
In an interview with CBC later that year, interviewer Evan Solomon asked if this was “coded language for extramarital affairs.”
Trudeau could answer an unequivocal ‘no’.
Brian Lilley wrote in the Toronto Sun that speculation would follow the announcement
Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, with their children Xavier, Ella-Grace and Hadrien, receive Joe Biden and Jill Biden at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa March 23, 2023
Althia Raj drew attention to the “inevitable” political nature of the Toronto Star split
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire arrive at Mexico’s Felipe Angeles International Airport on January 9, 2023
Sophie shared a candid message in 2020. ‘Through all the ups and downs you are still my person. I love you,” she wrote
The couple have been candid about the challenges in the relationship over the years.
In 2015, Sophie had her say about the trials and tribulations of marriage in an interview with Global News.
“I can tell you right away that no marriage is easy,” she said.
National columnist Althia Raj as well noticed about the ‘inevitably political’ nature of the split.
“Liberal strategists have their work to do after cultivating the prime minister’s image as a loving husband and family man,” the piece read.
Betfair gave equal opportunity for Trudeau’s Liberal Party to win in 2025.
The Conservative Party got more favorable odds at 4/6 – a 60 percent implied probability.
The Liberal Party held power for nearly 70 years of the 20th century and has maintained its dominance into the early 21st.