Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to resign as party leader and PM yesterday, proroguing Parliament until March 24, and sparking a federal Liberal leadership race.

The announcement was much-anticipated following a growing movement within minority the Liberal government for him to step down.

Trudeau says Parliament has been seized by obstruction, filibustering, and “a total lack of productivity.” He told reporters yesterday that he chose to prorogue Parliament and signal his resignation instead of call an election, to turn down the political heat.

“Removing me from the equation as the leader who will fight the next election for the Liberal party, should also decrease the level of polarization that we’re seeing right now in the House and in Canadian politics.” That, says Trudeau will “allow people to focus on serving Canadians in this House and with their work, the way Canadians deserve.”

Speculation has begun on who will be the frontrunners in the federal Liberal leadership race.

Memorial University political scientist Kelly Blidook who concentrates on the federal political realm says he believes two main frontrunners are a given.

“Chrystia Freeland and Mark Carney, you know, if there’s frontrunners out there…those people appear to be them. I’d be surprised if we saw a different leader besides those two,” says Blidook, “but of course weirder things have happened.”