Outgoing prime minister Stephen Harper arrives at his Langevin office in Ottawa, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2015.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Click here to read The Globe's coverage of Justin Trudeau's swearing-in ceremony
Stephen Harper has stepped down as Canada's 22nd prime minister, clearing the way for his incoming successor, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau.
Harper's resignation was confirmed in a statement from a spokesperson for Governor General David Johnston, who presided over the ceremony.
Trudeau's swearing-in took place at Rideau Hall before a crowd of dignitaries and Liberal luminaries, including former prime ministers Jean Chretien and John Turner, as well as friends and family members.
A massive crowd of onlookers, invited on to the sprawling grounds of the residence to witness the proceedings, gathered outside under unseasonally warm sunshine to glimpse Trudeau and watch the proceedings on a pair of big-screen TVs.