Justin Trudeau is resigning, what will be his legacy? A look back at key political eras

In a seismic political move, Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to step down as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and prime minister, once his successor is named. This decision comes after more than nine years in the country's top job and nearly 12 years at the helm of his party.

In a seismic political move, Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to step down as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada and prime minister, once his successor is named.

This decision comes after more than nine years in the country's top job and nearly 12 years at the helm of his party.

Trudeau announced his departure at Rideau Cottage on Jan. 6, saying that every moment he's woken up as prime minister he's been inspired by Canadians, who he said deserve a real choice, and it's become clear to him that he "cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election."

This move follows a tumultuous fall sitting of Parliament and sets the ball in motion towards the end of Trudeau's historic political tenure, one marked by both substantial social and policy change, as well as controversy and fluctuating public support.

As the country readies to enter a new political era, here's a look back at Trudeau's career.

In his youth, Trudeau remarked to CTV News' Sandie Rinaldo that he'd "never" be a politician, after watching what his father Pierre Elliott went through as prime minister. But murmurs of a political future began when he was cast back into the public spotlight delivering the eulogy at his father’s funeral.

By 2007, Trudeau went from helping the Liberals campaign, to winning the nomination for the Quebec riding of Papineau.