Liberal MPs to meet next week as calls for Trudeau to leave intensify

Liberal MPs are set to convene next week for a critical national caucus meeting, marking the first gathering since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his intention to take time during the holidays to reflect on the growing calls for his resignation as party leader.

The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, has been organized by Liberal national caucus chair Brenda Shanahan. The email invitation was shared with CBC News on Friday, detailing a meeting that could potentially last up to six hours.

Amidst mounting pressure from within the party, several Liberal MPs are hopeful that this meeting will bring an end to the prolonged efforts to oust Trudeau from his leadership position. However, uncertainty still looms as MPs remain unaware of the prime minister’s intentions. Some speculate that Trudeau may choose to retain his position despite the ongoing calls for his departure.

Shanahan has emphasized the importance of all MPs attending the meeting either in person or through Zoom. However, strict measures have been put in place to maintain caucus confidentiality for virtual attendees. Members joining via Zoom must ensure they are in a private and confidential space, with their face visible on screen at all times while wearing an approved headset. Any unauthorized use of cellphones or engaging in inappropriate activities during the Zoom call may result in immediate disconnection.

The lack of clarity surrounding Trudeau’s future has fueled continued efforts to push for a leadership change within the party. Calls for the prime minister’s resignation have persisted, with individual MPs from various regions publicly advocating for his departure. The pressure on Trudeau intensified following the resignation of Chrystia Freeland as deputy prime minister and finance minister.

In a recent development, Winnipeg South Centre MP Ben Carr became the first Manitoba Liberal MP to publicly call for Trudeau’s resignation. In a letter to his constituents, Carr expressed the culmination of discussions and a growing belief that it is time for a change in leadership.

Trudeau, who recently returned from a holiday in British Columbia, made his first public appearance of the year by visiting the U.S. embassy in Ottawa to sign a book of condolences for former U.S. president Jimmy Carter. He also participated in a virtual meeting of the Canada-U.S. relations cabinet committee earlier in the day.

As the Liberal national caucus prepares for this crucial meeting, the party remains divided over Trudeau’s leadership. The outcome of the gathering could potentially reshape the political landscape within the Liberal Party of Canada.