Tributes have poured in for outgoing New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern who has announced she will step down from her position no later than early February and will not seek reelection.
Ardern’s shock announcement on Thursday that she had “no more in the tank” to continue as New Zealand’s prime minister was greeted first with surprise and then praise by fellow politicians and supporters at home and abroad.
Arden, 42, said it had been a tough five and a half years as prime minister and that she was only human and needed to now step aside.
“Politicians are human. We give all that we can, for as long as we can, and then it’s time. And for me, it’s time,” she said.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes from Australia’s politicians, praising Ardern for leading her country with a mix of intellect and strength.
“She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities,” Albanese wrote on Twitter.
“Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me,” he wrote.
Jacinda Ardern has shown the world how to lead with intellect and strength.
She has demonstrated that empathy and insight are powerful leadership qualities.
Jacinda has been a fierce advocate for New Zealand, an inspiration to so many and a great friend to me. pic.twitter.com/QJ64mNCJMI
In her resignation announcement, Ardern said she was not stepping down because the job was hard but because she believed others could do a better job.
She made a point of telling her daughter Neve that she was looking forward to being there when she started school this year and told her longtime partner Clarke Gayford that it was time they married.
“You can’t be what you can’t see,” wrote Katy Gallagher, Australia’s minister for finance, women and public service, noting that Ardern had set an example for a generation of young women who had watched her lead New Zealand with “strength, empathy and grace”.
You can’t be what you can’t see.
I’m so glad that a generation of young women have been able to watch as Jacinda Ardern has led New Zealand with strength, empathy and grace.
Wishing her and her family all the best as they embark on the next chapter.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau praised Ardern for her strength, compassion and empathy, and expressed thanks for her partnership and friendship over several years.
“The difference you have made is immeasurable. I’m wishing you and your family nothing but the best, my friend,” Trudeau wrote on Twitter.
Thank you, @JacindaArdern, for your partnership and your friendship – and for your empathic, compassionate, strong, and steady leadership over these past several years. The difference you have made is immeasurable. I’m wishing you and your family nothing but the best, my friend. pic.twitter.com/72Q5p9GZzg
“Thank you for so many things, PM Ardern, but especially for making kindness and empathy cool again,” Angela Pratt, the World Health Organization’s representative in Vietnam, wrote on Twitter.
Political commentator Ben Thomas said Ardern’s announcement was a huge surprise as polls still ranked her as the country’s preferred prime minister even though support for her party had fallen from the stratospheric heights seen during the 2020 election.
Thomas said there was not a clear successor.
Julia Gillard, Australia’s first and only female prime minister from 2010-2013, said that Ardern had demonstrated “a new style of leadership” that placed kindness and empathy to the fore and in so doing became a “shining light”, particularly to women.
“I congratulate her on all she has achieved to date and wish her well in this next phase of her life,” Gillard said in a tweet.
.@jacindaardern showed the world a new style of leadership by deciding to foreground kindness and empathy. Her example has been a shining light to many, especially women. I congratulate her on all she has achieved to date and wish her well in this next phase of her life.
Ardern’s initial election in 2017 made a big splash on the global stage because of her gender and youth, coining the phrase “Jacinda-mania”.
Her empathetic leadership style was cemented by her response to the mass shootings at two mosques in Christchurch in 2019 that killed 51 people and injured 40.
Ardern swiftly labelled the attacks “terrorism” and wore a hijab as she met with the Muslim community a day after the attack, telling them the whole country was “united in grief”. She promised and delivered major gun law reform within a month.
Chris Bowen, Australia’s minister for climate change and energy, said Ardern had “led her country through its hardest ever day”.
“She inspired people around the world with calm, assured, progressive and robust leadership,” Bowen wrote on Twitter.
The United Kingdom’s opposition party leader Keir Starmer described Ardern as a “true global leader” and an “inspiration”.
Jacinda Ardern has been a true global leader who I’ve always enjoyed talking with.
Her passion, integrity and achievements in office are an inspiration.
Whatever comes next, I’ve no doubt she’ll continue to champion her values and New Zealand across the world. pic.twitter.com/QtIWhBANnN
Mark Brown, prime minister of the Cook Islands, said Ardern had led with “compassion, strength, and kindness” during some of the most turbulent times the world and New Zealand had known since World War II, including the Christchurch mosque attack, the White Island volcanic eruption in 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“You leave a legacy of true leadership,” Brown said, according to New Zealand’s Stuff news media.
Ardern won praise across the political spectrum for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw New Zealand face some of the strictest measures globally but also resulted in one of the lowest death tolls.
But Ardern also faced growing anger at home from those who opposed coronavirus mandates and rules.
A protest last year that began on Parliament’s grounds lasted for more than three weeks until the demonstrators were forced to leave. The heated emotions around the coronavirus debate led to a level of vitriol directed at Ardern that was rarely been seen by former New Zealand leaders. She was forced to cancel an annual barbecue she hosts due to security fears.
Her popularity had also waned over the past year as inflation rose to nearly three-decade highs and the country has also become increasingly politically divided over issues such as a government overhaul of water infrastructure and the introduction of an agricultural emissions programme.
Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said she was deeply saddened by news of the resignation.
Deeply saddened to wake in Europe this morning to news that Jacinda Ardern is stepping down as NZ PM. Jacinda has done an amazing job leading NZ & always brought humanity, empathy, & intelligence to the job. Much to be said, but for now – just thank you. https://t.co/wraAbuo9Sa
Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, member of parliament and co-leader of New Zealand’s Te Pati Maori political movement, said Ardern’s resignation was a “sad day for politics”.
“It is a sad day for politics where an outstanding leader has been driven from office for constant personalisation and vilification,” Ngarewa-Packer said.
“Her whanau [family] have withstood the ugliest attacks over the last two years with what we believe to be the most demeaning form of politics we have ever seen,” she said.
Well-known New Zealand actor Sam Neill, who has starred in such films as The Piano and the Jurassic Park series, blasted “all the bullies, the misogynists, the aggrieved” who had subjected Ardern to “disgraceful” treatment over the last few months.
“She deserved so much better,” Neill wrote in a tweet. “A great leader. Thanks PM!”
#PrimeMinister@jacindaardern resigned today. I am not surprised nor do I blame her. Her treatment, the pile on, in the last few months has been disgraceful and embarrassing. All the bullies, the misogynists, the aggrieved. She deserved so much better. A great leader. Thanks PM! pic.twitter.com/7b1AhjBXrW
Gerald Butts, a Canadian political consultant and vice chairman of the Eurasia Group, said Ardern was leaving her post “like she led: honestly, empathetically, on her own terms. Bravo on a great run.”
Ardern leaves like she led: honestly, empathetically, on her own terms. Bravo on a great run. https://t.co/oKzaAHbfYN
The ruling Labour Party’s vote for a new leader will take place on Sunday. The new party leader will be the prime minister until the next general election.
Ardern’s term as leader will conclude no later than February 7 and a general election will be held on October 14.
Today, the current Prime Minister, Rt Hon Jacinda Ardern announced her intention to resign from the role of Prime Minister by 7 February, 2023. But what does this mean for Parliament, and how will a new Prime Minister be chosen? Read more ????https://t.co/kFBuQIVYyc
Moe is set to speak in the city of Yorkton about affordability measures this morning before travelling to the nearby village of Theodore for an event with the local Saskatchewan Party candidate.
NDP Leader Carla Beck doesn’t have any events scheduled, though several party candidates are to hold press conferences.
On Thursday, Moe promised a directive banning “biological boys” from using school changing rooms with “biological girls” if re-elected.
The NDP said the Saskatchewan Party was punching down on vulnerable children.
Election day is Oct. 28.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2024.
REGINA – Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe is promising a directive banning “biological boys” from using school changing rooms with “biological girls” if re-elected, a move the NDP’s Carla Beck says weaponizes vulnerable kids.
Moe made the pledge Thursday at a campaign stop in Regina. He said it was in response to a complaint that two biological males had changed for gym class with girls at a school in southeast Saskatchewan.
He said the ban would be his first order of business if he’s voted again as premier on Oct. 28.
It was not previously included in his party’s campaign platform document.
“I’ll be very clear, there will be a directive that would come from the minister of education that would say that biological boys will not be in the change room with biological girls,” Moe said.
He added school divisions should already have change room policies, but a provincial directive would ensure all have the rule in place.
Asked about the rights of gender-diverse youth, Moe said other children also have rights.
“What about the rights of all the other girls that are changing in that very change room? They have rights as well,” he said, followed by cheers and claps.
The complaint was made at a school with the Prairie Valley School Division. The division said in a statement it doesn’t comment on specific situations that could jeopardize student privacy and safety.
“We believe all students should have the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe and welcoming learning environment,” it said.
“Our policies and procedures align with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Saskatchewan Human Rights Code.”
Asked about Moe’s proposal, Beck said it would make vulnerable kids more vulnerable.
Moe is desperate to stoke fear and division after having a bad night during Wednesday’s televised leaders’ debate, she said.
“Saskatchewan people, when we’re at our best, are people that come together and deliver results, not divisive, ugly politics like we’ve seen time and again from Scott Moe and the Sask. Party,” Beck said.
“If you see leaders holding so much power choosing to punch down on vulnerable kids, that tells you everything you need to know about them.”
Beck said voters have more pressing education issues on their minds, including the need for smaller classrooms, more teaching staff and increased supports for students.
People also want better health care and to be able to afford gas and groceries, she added.
“We don’t have to agree to understand Saskatchewan people deserve better,” Beck said.
The Saskatchewan Party government passed legislation last year that requires parents consent to children under 16 using different names or pronouns at school.
The law has faced backlash from some LGBTQ+ advocates, who argue it violates Charter rights and could cause teachers to out or misgender children.
Beck has said if elected her party would repeal that legislation.
Heather Kuttai, a former commissioner with the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission who resigned last year in protest of the law, said Moe is trying to sway right-wing voters.
She said a change room directive would put more pressure on teachers who already don’t have enough educational support.
“It sounds like desperation to me,” she said.
“It sounds like Scott Moe is nervous about the election and is turning to homophobic and transphobic rhetoric to appeal to far-right voters.
“It’s divisive politics, which is a shame.”
She said she worries about the future of gender-affirming care in a province that once led in human rights.
“We’re the kind of people who dig each other out of snowbanks and not spew hatred about each other,” she said. “At least that’s what I want to still believe.”
Also Thursday, two former Saskatchewan Party government members announced they’re endorsing Beck — Mark Docherty, who retired last year and was a Speaker, and Glen Hart, who retired in 2020.
Ian Hanna, a speech writer and senior political adviser to former Saskatchewan Party premier Brad Wall, also endorsed Beck.
Earlier in the campaign, Beck received support from former Speaker Randy Weekes, who quit the Saskatchewan Party earlier this year after accusing caucus members of bullying.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 17, 2024.
REGINA – Saskatchewan‘s provincial election is on Oct. 28. Here’s a look at some of the campaign promises made by the two major parties:
Saskatchewan Party
— Continue withholding federal carbon levy payments to Ottawa on natural gas until the end of 2025.
— Reduce personal income tax rates over four years; a family of four would save $3,400.
— Double the Active Families Benefit to $300 per child per year and the benefit for children with disabilities to $400 a year.
— Direct all school divisions to ban “biological boys” from girls’ change rooms in schools.
— Increase the First-Time Homebuyers Tax Credit to $15,000 from $10,000.
— Reintroduce the Home Renovation Tax Credit, allowing homeowners to claim up to $4,000 in renovation costs on their income taxes; seniors could claim up to $5,000.
— Extend coverage for insulin pumps and diabetes supplies to seniors and young adults
— Provide a 50 per cent refundable tax credit — up to $10,000 — to help cover the cost of a first fertility treatment.
— Hire 100 new municipal officers and 70 more officers with the Saskatchewan Marshals Service.
— Amend legislation to provide police with more authority to address intoxication, vandalism and disturbances on public property.
— Platform cost of $1.2 billion, with deficits in the first three years and a small surplus in 2027.
—
NDP
— Pause the 15-cent-a-litre gas tax for six months, saving an average family about $350.
— Remove the provincial sales tax from children’s clothes and ready-to-eat grocery items like rotisserie chickens and granola bars.
— Pass legislation to limit how often and how much landlords can raise rent.
— Repeal the law that requires parental consent when children under 16 want to change their names or pronouns at school.
— Launch a provincewide school nutrition program.
— Build more schools and reduce classroom sizes.
— Hire 800 front-line health-care workers in areas most in need.
— Launch an accountability commission to investigate cost overruns for government projects.
— Scrap the marshals service.
— Hire 100 Mounties and expand detox services.
— Platform cost of $3.5 billion, with small deficits in the first three years and a small surplus in the fourth year.
—
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct .17, 2024.
