Some Liberal MPs repeat calls for Trudeau to quit after Freeland debacle — but he still has defenders
Following the public resignation of Chrystia Freeland from cabinet and a disappointing byelection loss in B.C., some Liberal MPs are now calling for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as party leader. This sentiment is not new, as there have been previous calls for Trudeau to resign in the past. However, what is different this time is that even MPs who previously supported Trudeau are now joining the chorus of voices calling for change at the top.
During a caucus meeting last night, Trudeau acknowledged the concerns of disaffected MPs and stated that he would take time to consider his future. While he has made similar statements in the past only to ultimately decide to stay on, the recent byelection loss in B.C. may limit his ability to maneuver.
One of the MPs now advocating for Trudeau’s resignation is B.C. Liberal MP Ken Hardie. He expressed regret in stating that Trudeau must resign to allow for a new leader to take the party in a different direction. Hardie highlighted that despite the government’s efforts to address current challenges, Trudeau’s leadership is not resonating with Canadians, leading to a lack of confidence in the prime minister.
Other MPs, such as Ontario MP Francis Drouin and New Brunswick MP Wayne Long, have also called for Trudeau to step down. Long noted that a significant number of Liberal MPs want Trudeau to resign immediately, with many more believing that he should go but remaining silent. He emphasized that the party is at risk of electoral disaster if Trudeau continues as leader, pointing to polls showing low support for the Liberals.
Despite the growing calls for Trudeau’s resignation, some MPs, such as Ontario MP Yasir Naqvi and Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, continue to express confidence in the prime minister. B.C. MP Joyce Murray, who previously served in Trudeau’s cabinet, emphasized the importance of loyalty to the leader.
While some past Trudeau supporters remain steadfast in their belief in his leadership, others are more reserved in their comments. Ontario MP Judy Sgro acknowledged Trudeau as a smart man and stated that any decision regarding his future should be made at the appropriate time.
As the debate over Trudeau’s leadership continues within the Liberal party, the prime minister faces mounting pressure to address the concerns of his colleagues and the Canadian public. The outcome of this internal struggle could have significant implications for the future direction of the party and the country as a whole.
