Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (photo: Reuters)

Canada’s parliament will be suspended until March 24 while a new Liberal Party leader is chosen, he said.

“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process.”

Trudeau said he informed the Liberal party president on Sunday evening.

“Last night, I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process. This country deserves a real choice in the next election, and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.”

Trudeau, leader of the Liberal Party for 11 years and prime minister for nine, was facing a mounting set of crises.