Â鶹´«Ã½

Politics

    • Justin Trudeau and wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau separating, after 18 years of marriage

    Share

    Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife are separating after 18 years of marriage, and while they plan to co-parent their children, Sophie Gregoire Trudeau will no longer be considered the prime minister’s spouse in any official capacity.

     issued by the prime minister on Instagram, he said that after "many meaningful and difficult conversations" the pair have "made the decision to separate." 

    "As always, we remain a close family with deep love and respect for each other and for everything we have built and will continue to build," said Trudeau in the post, .

    For the well-being of their children, the Trudeaus asked Canadians to respect the family's privacy at this time. 

    The prime minister and Gregoire Trudeau have three children: Xavier who is 15, Ella-Grace who is 14, and Hadrien who is nine.

    In a separate release, the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) confirmed that the pair have "signed a legal separation agreement."

    "They have worked to ensure that all legal and ethical steps with regards to their decision to separate have been taken, and will continue to do so moving forward," PMO spokesperson Alison Murphy said in the statement.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    PLAN TO CO-PARENT, LIVE APART

    Trudeau's office said that the prime minister and Sophie are "focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving and collaborative environment," and both will be "a constant presence in their children’s lives."

    Canadians can expect "to often see the family together, and they plan to be together on vacation, beginning next week," at a yet-to-be disclosed location. Recent family holidays have seen the Trudeaus jet off to Montana and Jamaica. 

    Trudeau and his family have lived in Rideau Cottage on the Rideau Hall grounds in Ottawa since he became prime minister, given the state of disrepair of the prime minister's official residence at 24 Sussex Drive. He also has a cottage at Harrington Lake, in Gatineau, Que.

    According to a source with knowledge of the situation who was not authorized to speak publicly, Gregoire Trudeau still plans to spend considerable time at Rideau Cottage, but she has already made arrangements to move into a private residence nearby, at her own expense.

    Emphasizing that it is a separation and not a divorce, the source told Â鶹´«Ã½ that the two plan to co-parent.

    A key change is that going forward, Gregoire Trudeau will no longer represent the Government of Canada, will not be considered the spouse of the prime minister in any official capacity on the world stage, nor will she attend events as the spouse of the prime minister.

    A HIGH-PROFILE RELATIONSHIP

    As a political power couple, the pair has had a high public and international profile predating Trudeau's time in elected office. Already, the news of their legal separation has been picked up by outlets across the world. 

    Justin Trudeau leaves with his new bride Sophie Gregoire in his father's 1959 Mercedes 300 SL after their marriage ceremony in Montreal on May 28, 2005. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz)

    Trudeau, 51, and Gregoire Trudeau, 48, were married on May 28, 2005 at a widely-covered ceremony in Montreal, after Trudeau and the then-Quebec TV personality became engaged in 2004.

    The pair first met in their youth, as Gregoire Trudeau went to school with Trudeau’s youngest brother, Michel, and then reconnected and began dating after co-hosting the Montreal Grand Prix charity ball in 2003.

    Gregoire Trudeau spoke about the pair navigating "sunny days, heavy storms, and everything in between." In the social media post, she acknowledged that long-term relationships can be "challenging in so many ways." 

    In a post the prime minister shared a photo of the couple holding hands, with the caption: "Every mile of this journey together is an adventure. I love you, Soph. Happy anniversary!" 

    Gregoire Trudeau has played a prominent role alongside Trudeau in his successive election campaigns, with Â鶹´«Ã½ political analyst and commentator Scott Reid describing her as "a very effective political asset."

    And, while she has been at the prime minister's side on fewer public occasions recently— prompting predictable speculation about the state of their relationship—she has continued to use her platform to promote causes that she cares about, including mental health and wellness, as well as women's rights.

     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

    This spring it was announced that she is writing two books that will be published by Penguin Random House.

    The first, "Closer Together: Knowing Ourselves, Loving Each Other" has been billed as an "inspirational self-discovery and wellness book for adults" and is expected to publish in spring 2024. Gregoire Trudeau is also working on a children's' picture book in 2025, that will "draw on Sophie's own love for nature and her advocacy work in mental health and emotional literacy." 

    The source Â鶹´«Ã½ spoke with said Gregoire Trudeau plans to continue on with her own career endeavours. 

    The family last appeared together at last month's Canada Day events, and the prime minister and his wife most recently travelled together to London to attend the coronation of King Charles III in May and hosted U.S. President Joe Biden's official visit to Ottawa in March.

    During the visit, Gregoire Trudeau and First Lady Jill Biden in which Gregoire Trudeau spoke about how at they end of the day they are "just a family" and she tries to "keep a sense of safety" in her house where her children can "discuss real things."

    WHAT THIS MEANS FOR PM POLITICALLY

    Trudeau was first elected as the MP for Papineau, Que. in 2008. The then still-growing Trudeau family moved from Montreal to Ottawa as Trudeau's political career advanced, ahead of him entering the Liberal leadership race which he went on to win handily in 2013. 

    After watching his father Pierre Elliott Trudeau announce a separation from his mother Margaret Trudeau while in office back in 1977, Trudeau wrote in his 2014 memoir 'Common Ground' about the impact his parent's divorce had on him, and the considerations he and Gregoire Trudeau about the addition strain political life can have on a marriage.

    He said that divorce always has "casualties where children are involved" but that his parents did their best to "minimize the pain and sense of loss." While in his own marriage, he described his wife as his "soulmate" and said the two were honest with each other, "even when it hurts."

    Trudeau became prime minister in 2015, securing a majority mandate and has since led the Liberal party to two minority victories in 2019 and 2021. Trudeau has repeatedly stated his intent to stay at the helm of the party into the next federal election.

    FILE- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is joined on stage by wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, left, and children Xavier and Ella-Grace, during his victory speech at Party campaign headquarters in Montreal, early Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick, File

    Last week he oversaw a massive reshuffling of his front bench, reassigning the majority of his cabinet ministers in an effort to refocus his government on the affordability issues that are top of mind for Canadians.

    Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions and Intergovernmental Affairs Dominic LeBlanc briefed the Liberal caucus on Wednesday about the situation, according to two sources. LeBlanc, a long-time close personal friend of the prime minister was asked to communicate the news to MPs, fielding any potential questions on the prime minister's behalf.  

    Â鶹´«Ã½â€™ official pollster Nik Nanos said Wednesday that Canadians will likely have "a certain level of empathy" for Trudeau, given many families go through similar hard times. However, it remains to be seen what— if any—impact this news or future related developments may have on public opinion polling that currently shows the Liberals several points behind the federal Conservatives. 

    A source Â鶹´«Ã½ spoke with confirmed that the separation has not changed his political plans, and Trudeau remains excited to continue his role leading Canadians.  

    IN DEPTH

    Opinion

    opinion

    opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster

    A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?

    opinion

    opinion Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike

    When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing.

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    Two nephews of the beloved Harry R. Hamilton share stories about his life and legacy.

    The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

    Canada

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • Two nephews of the beloved Harry R. Hamilton share stories about his life and legacy.

    • The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

    • A man who was critically injured in a police-involved shooting in Hamilton late Sunday afternoon has died in hospital, says the province’s police watchdog.

    World

    Politics

    • Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.

    • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    Sports

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

    Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

    A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

    As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

    A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

    A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

    Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

    A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

    • Thousands of people are expected to gather in downtown Vancouver on Monday to observe the city’s 100th Remembrance Day ceremony.

    • Weather watchers were treated to an exceptionally rare display on Friday evening as rare cloud formations filled Vancouver skies.

    • Toronto is expected to see an economic boost to the tune of nearly $300 million thanks to Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, which will be making a stop in Canada’s largest city for a six-show run later this month.

    • One man was transported to hospital early Monday morning after a stabbing in the northwest end of the city, Toronto police say.

    • Calgarians will be observing Remembrance Day at a number of different ceremonies across the city, including at the Hangar Flight Museum.

    • A home in the northeast Calgary community of Saddle Ridge was damaged in a fire on Sunday.

    • WEATHER

      WEATHER

      Conditions were warm early Monday and expected to remain that way for most of the day.

    • CTVNewsOttawa.ca looks at Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa.

    • After months of controversy surrounding a dog park in Ottawa's west end, a solution has been reached to divide the park in half.

    • With fewer interments and rising maintenance fees, the money for Canada's largest military cemetery will run out in three to four years.

    • Montreal Metro passengers can now flag a safety concern by texting a new phone number launched by the STM.

    • The employers association at the Port of Montreal locked out nearly 1,200 longshore workers, bringing a halt to traffic at the port.

    • LIVE @ 10:45 A.M. MT

      LIVE @ 10:45 A.M. MT

      Monday is Remembrance Day, a time to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty.

    • WEATHER

      WEATHER

      This is shaping up to be one of the warmest Remembrance Days in the past decade, at least, for temperatures.

    • Maritimers will stop Monday to remember those who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada's armed forces for Remembrance Day.

    • A Cape Breton senior recalls her life in German-occupied France, and her mother’s death, during the Second World War.

    • Thousand of people gathered at the Menin Gate in the Ypres, Belgium for Monday’s Remembrance Day Ceremony.

    • Remembrance Day is today, and a number of ceremonies are taking place around the province to honour those who gave their lives to serve our country.

    • A pillar in Canada’s history was honoured in Winnipeg Sunday afternoon, with thousands showing up to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Murray Sinclair.

    • Winnipeg police have identified two men involved in a stabbing incident earlier this week.

    • There will be two ceremonies taking place in Regina for Remembrance Day, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion.

    • Regina author Valerie Crowther is celebrating the release of her book ‘War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War.’

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • Saskatchewan RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in a farm-related incident in Montreal Lake.

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • The Regina Rams claimed the Hardy Cup after a hard fought battle against the Saskatoon Huskies 19-14 on Saturday in the first all Saskatchewan U-Sports western conference final since 2002.

    • Emergency crews responded to the scene on Road 68/Highway 2 east of Thamesford around 7 p.m.

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • Three people were taken to hospital after a plane crashed in the Municipality of Southwest Middlesex.

    • A Barrie man is at the centre of an alleged $2.2 million stolen used car scheme.

    • Environment Canada issued a weather alert for Barrie, Collingwood and surrounding areas, alerting residents about the wicked winds that are expected to pick up to 80 kilometres per hour in the afternoon hours.

    • Barrie residents gathered on Monday to honour Canada’s veterans and pay tribute to those who served and sacrificed for the country.

    • Representatives of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, military representatives, wreath bearers, government officials, and members of the public will attend the Cenotaph at City Hall Square for the outdoor service.

    • One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) received multiple complaints about an alleged drunk driver.

    • The LaSalle Police Service is reminding to beware of scammers as one is currently circulating.

    • Environment Canada says heavy rain and winds could cause power outages on Vancouver Island as an "intense" storm system is set to hit the B.C. coast Sunday.

    • Six deer were struck by vehicles in six different locations in a six-hour period on B.C. highways on Saturday, according to the transportation ministry.

    • The union for locked-out port workers in British Columbia says the BC Maritime Employers Association cut off talks in less than an hour Saturday, refusing to budge on a final offer that the union has so far rejected.

    • The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.

    • Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.

    • More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.

    • The Southern Alberta Recreation Association is officially announcing the Town of Taber as next year’s host for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

    • The Lethbridge Hurricanes broke open a close game with three goals in the first two minutes of the third period as they defeated the Warriors 7-3 in a game played Friday night in Moose Jaw.

    • There might not a lot snow just yet, but many southern Albertans are still itching to get outdoors.

    • It was just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down when the Shaft Bottom Boys of Sudbury broke a world record for 'Deepest Concert Underground.' Now, more than four years later, a Timmins band is looking to take the title.

    • Police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a break-in and $50,000 in damage done to the Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake in September.

    • Mayors of the five largest cities in northern Ontario met in North Bay the last two days to discuss a range of critical issues impacting their cities and the region.

    N.L.

    Stay Connected
    Follow Â鶹´«Ã½