Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is separating from his wife Sophie Grégoire. The two had been together for 18 years.
On Wednesday, the 52-year-old politician announced the news on social media, in a post that was written in both French and English.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Announces Separation from Wife of 18 Years Sophie Gregoire: ‘We Remain A Close Family’
On Wednesday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took to Instagram to post a short statement revealing that he and his wife of 18 years were separating. “Hi everyone, Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversation, we have made the decision to separate,” he began.
“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. For the well-being of our children, we ask that you respect our and their privacy. Thank you,” he continued. In a separate statement to People magazine, sources from the Canadian Prime Minister’s office confirmed the validity of the news, adding that the former couple had “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,” the statement said. “They remain a close family and Sophie and the Prime Minister are focused on raising their kids in a safe, loving, and collaborative environment. Both parents will be a constant presence in their children’s lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together.”
Trudeau’s office added that the family “will be together on vacation, beginning next week.” The couple shares three children together: Xavier, Ella-Grace, and Hadrian. The couple married in 2005. Trudeau has been in office since 2015. In 2021, he thanked his family in a speech celebrating his narrow reelection victory.
“And beyond everything I want to thank my family,” Trudeau said at the time, thanking his wife and three children for their support. “Sophie: 12 years ago when we decided to be involved together in politics, it’s because we wanted to defend our values, because we wanted to contribute to build a stronger Canada. And since the beginning, we did that together,” he said. “Thank you.”
In April 2023, Trudeau shared a few photos to honor her birthday on Instagram, writing, “Happy birthday, Sophie. From this, to this, and everything in between, there’s no one I’d rather have by my side… I love you, mon amour.”
Reactions Over The News Are Divided: ‘We Should Offer Them Grace’
Many users had differing reactions to the news on the announcement on Instagram. “Seriously? Resign. NOW,” one user commented. “Even she can’t stand you,” another troll wrote. “Please leave our country,” another netizen chimed in. “Lol first feminist PM can’t even hold into his own woman. Pathetic,” another user wrote.
“This much hate coming from comments. I have never been happy with others’ sadness! Then emigrate to Canada to be away from being judgmental and having negative thoughts! This is how people live in Canada?!” another netizen wrote. “My gosh! People on internet are mean!!!! So sad!!!!” another commenter agreed.
“As a non-Canadian, reading these comments have certainly changed my opinion of Canadians. Clearly, the respectful, polite, loving, nonviolent, non-judgmental, non aggressors no longer applies. You clearly have become as crass as your neighbors,” another user chimed in. “Separation is hard but often necessary. These comments show their character, not yours. I think this makes him human and sadly human relationships aren’t always forever. Much love to you and your children as you navigate your new normal,” another shared.
“This is one of the most difficult announcements for anyone to make. Separation and Divorce are not an easy decision and it takes a lot of intention and thoughtfulness to get to this point,” another user shared. “Most of us have the luxury to be private about our internal matters, but this type of public announcement is coming from humans behind the public office. A mother and a father. Who are now transitioning to co-parents? We should offer them grace regardless of our own politics.”
