Trudeau says he wants to serve Canadians for 'number of more years'

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave an interview at the Reuters Next conference on Thursday indicating that he would like to serve Canadians for much longer, CTV News reports.

"I've still got a lot to do in terms of serving this country, so I'm looking forward to a number of more years of serving Canadians," Trudeau said in the interview.

The comment comes as speculation continues to mount about a looming federal election. Trudeau's Liberal Party won a minority government in the 2019 election, but have since risen in polling as the Conservatives and the NDP continue to stagnate.

They also confirm that Trudeau still maintains an ambitious policy agenda which he intends to implement over the coming years.

Trudeau was also asked if Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland may become Liberal leader one day. Trudeau has relied heavily on Freeland in pursuing his policy agenda since he became Prime Minister, with some speculating that she may have even more influence over the party than Trudeau has.

"My responsibility is to bring around me the best possible team I can to serve Canadians," Trudeau said. "I won't speculate on what could happen years down the road."

Trudeau also clarified his position on so-called vaccine passports, a proposal already being developed in some places which would require citizens to be vaccinated before they could participate in certain activities such as flying.

"I think the indications that the vast majority of Canadians are looking to be vaccinated will get us to a good place without having to take more extreme measures that could have real divisive impacts on community and country," Trudeau said on the subject, indicating that the government has no plans to institute such a policy.

Proponents of the vaccine passport have argued that it would save lives, while opponents say it is an infringement on individual rights by demanding health records.