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Welcome to our live coverage as Justin Trudeau prepares to hold a news conference at which he is expected to resign. 

The announcement that he would speak, which came only a short time ago, comes as speculation mounts that the Canadian prime minister is set to step down. 

Mr Trudeau has led Canada for nine years. 

Trudeau ‘likely’ to announce resignation, according to reports

Justin Trudeau is likely to announce his resignation at this news conference, according to reports.

Sources have told Reuters news agency and Canada’s Globe and Mail that the 53-year-old could announce as early as today that he would quit as leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party.

Sources expect an announcement to come before an emergency meeting of Liberal politicians on Wednesday.

It remains unclear whether Mr Trudeau would leave immediately or stay on as prime minister until a new Liberal leader is selected.

Why has Trudeau been under pressure?

Justin Trudeau has led Canada’s Liberal party since 2013 and has been prime minister since 2015.

He has faced calls to resign from an increasing number of his MPs amid poor showings in opinion polls. He has also come under increased pressure since his finance minister quit in December over a policy clash.

Unlike the UK, there is no formal way for Mr Trudeau’s party to remove him if he wants to stay.

That said, if members of his cabinet and a large number of MPs call for him to go, he may conclude his position is untenable.

An election must be held in Canada by this October, with the Liberals expected to lose heavily to the official opposition Conservatives.

Trudeau to speak outside his residence

Justin Trudeau will be making an announcement and answering questions from the media this morning at 3.45pm UK time, according to his office. 

Reports coming out of Canada suggest his news conference will be held outside from his residence at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa.

Trudeau to speak shortly

Justin Trudeau is due to start speaking to the media shortly.

His office said he would speak in Ottawa at 3.45pm UK time (10.45am local). 

Reports say the long-serving Canadian prime minister will use the news conference to resign. 

You can follow our blog to get information about Canada, global politics, and more. 

Trudeau asks to prorogue parliament – reports

We’re still waiting for the Canadian prime minister to come out.

As we wait, we can bring you reports that Justin Trudeau met Canada’s governor general Mary Simon this morning and asked her to prorogue parliament, according to Canada’s CBC and CTV News.

The move would give the party time to find a new leader and avoid a non-confidence vote.

If approved it will end the current parliamentary session and kill all legislative business that hasn’t passed.