It's Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

I'm Albert Moller, and this is the briefing, a daily analysis of news and events from a Christian worldview.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada announced yesterday that he would be stepping down as the leader of his party, the Liberal Party in Canada,

and thus he would also be stepping down as the country's head of government, which is to say,

Prime Minister. He has served in that role since 2015, and as you look at the history of Canada,

you recognize this is a very significant transition. Justin Trudeau's resignation statement

means that Canada's parliament is now put into a state of suspension. It is formerly known as the

parliament being proroged until that date of March the 24th. And on March the 24th, some decision

will have to be made. It is likely at that time that a new leader of the liberal party will

try to put together a coalition and form a government. But at this point, March the 24th seems

quite a way off. And the most immediate reflections on the part of Canadians and others is what the

fall of the Trudeau government means. And this is important for Americans.

It's important that Americans understand what is going on across our northern border,

and also to understand that even as Canada's government system is quite different than our own,

we are looking at an allied nation, and we're also looking at the fact that there are very key cultural and moral indicators

that become very clear when you look across the north. As I have often remarked on the briefing,

if you want to see what Europe looks like in moral and political terms, you just go across

America's northern border. You're still in North America. You're in Canada, but in so many ways, Canadian culture mirrors, as well as its politics, in many ways mirroring developments in Europe and in the European tradition.

Even in the last few weeks, articles have been written somewhat sarcastic, at least it has to be admitted in tone.

Articles have been written suggesting that Canada should seek membership in the European Union.

The footnote to that is that such a move sarcastically would be intended to protect Canada

from the kinds of aggressive moves, particularly when it comes to terrorists and other trade policies,

...