Calgary Liberal MP George Chahal calls for Trudeau to step down, and for party to prepare for leadership race

Liberal MP George Chahal is making headlines by calling for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign and for the Liberal Party to start preparing for a leadership change. Chahal, who represents Calgary Skyview, sent two letters on Friday – one to the entire Liberal caucus urging Trudeau to step down immediately, and another to Liberal Party president Sachit Mehra, asking him to begin planning for a leadership transition.

In an interview with CBC News, Chahal initially declined to comment on the contents of the letters but later posted them online for transparency. He emphasized the urgency of replacing Trudeau as leader, stating that it is in the best interest of the party and Canada as a whole.

Chahal praised Trudeau for his accomplishments since 2015, such as the child care benefit and dental care initiatives, but believes that it is time for new leadership. He revealed that he has been advocating for a change in leadership behind closed doors for the past year, but recent events, including byelection losses and the resignation of former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, prompted him to publicly call for a change.

The growing discontent within the Liberal Party is evident, with over 20 MPs publicly urging Trudeau to step down, especially after Freeland’s departure. In a letter to the Liberal caucus, Chahal stated that Trudeau no longer has the support of the party and reiterated his call for the prime minister to resign. He also urged the party to be prepared for a leadership race, even if Trudeau does not formally step down.

Political experts like Mount Royal University professors Lori Williams and Duane Bratt weighed in on Chahal’s actions, noting that his sentiments reflect the broader dissatisfaction with Trudeau’s leadership. They anticipate a tough reelection campaign for Chahal, given the current unpopularity of the Trudeau government.

Overall, Chahal’s calls for a leadership change within the Liberal Party signal a significant shift in the political landscape. As the party grapples with internal dissent and external challenges, the prospect of a new leader may offer a way forward to address the concerns of both party members and the Canadian public.