Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and wife, Sophie, announce separation

Adam Schrader
·2 min read
2
Liberal Member of Parliament Justin Trudeau celebrates with his wife Sophie Gregoire after winning on the first ballot the race for the leadership of the federal Liberal Party in Ottawa in April 2013. File Photo by Heinz Ruckemann/UPI
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Aug. 2 (UPI) -- Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, and his wife, former entertainment journalist Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, announced Wednesday that they would be separating.

The Trudeaus, who have been married since 2005, have three children together. They announced their separation in a statement on Instagram.

Canadian law has three primary provisions that allow for divorce: if a couple has been separated for at least a year, if there has been physical or mental abuse, and if there has been adultery.

By announcing the separation, it appears the Trudeaus intend to divorce after one year.

"Hi everyone, Sophie and I would like to share the fact that after many meaningful and difficult conversations, we have made the decision to separate," Trudeau said in the statement.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire, and children Ella Grace, Xavier and Hadrien march in the 38th Annual Gay Pride Parade in Vancouver in July 2016. File Photo by Heinz Ruckemann/UPI
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife, Sophie Gregoire, and children Ella Grace, Xavier and Hadrien march in the 38th Annual Gay Pride Parade in Vancouver in July 2016. File Photo by Heinz Ruckemann/UPI

"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."

The Prime Minister's Office said in a separate statement to The Globe and Mail that the Trudeaus had signed a legal separation agreement.

President Barack Obama (R) and First Lady Michelle Obama (2nd-L), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (2nd-R) and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau pose as they arrive for a State Dinner at the White House in March 2016. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI
President Barack Obama (R) and First Lady Michelle Obama (2nd-L), Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (2nd-R) and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau pose as they arrive for a State Dinner at the White House in March 2016. File Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI

"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 office said. "Both parents will be a constant presence in their children's lives and Canadians can expect to often see the family together."

The Trudeaus are expected to have joint custody of their children, who will primarily live at Rideau Cottage -- the prime minister's chosen residence over the traditional prime ministerial residence. Grégoire Trudeau has moved into a home in Ottawa.

The couple in the past have both mentioned how "no marriage is easy" and how they have "had hardship" with ups and downs -- but Grégoire Trudeau has been less visible in recent years.

Trudeau's late father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, was the first Canadian prime minister to get divorced in office from his mother, Margaret Trudeau, in 1984.