Winnipeg’s Ben Carr becomes 1st Manitoba Liberal MP to call for Trudeau to step down as party leader

Winnipeg South Centre MP Ben Carr has made headlines by calling for a change in leadership within the federal Liberal party, specifically urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down. This bold move makes Carr the first Manitoba Liberal member of Parliament to take such a stance.

In a letter addressed to his constituents, Carr expressed the difficulty he faced in reaching this decision, acknowledging the sense of loyalty he felt towards his party. However, after reflecting on the concerns voiced by those he represents, he concluded that advocating for change was in the best interest of Winnipeg South Centre.

While Carr expressed gratitude towards Trudeau for his dedication to Canada and his efforts to move the country forward, he also highlighted the struggles his constituents were facing under the party’s current leadership. Despite his call for change, Carr has stated his intention to seek re-election with the federal Liberals in the upcoming election, the date of which has yet to be determined but must take place on or before October 20 of this year.

Following Carr’s public announcement, Winnipeg North Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux expressed his confidence in Trudeau, emphasizing the prime minister’s commitment to serving the best interests of Canada. Similarly, Winnipeg South Liberal MP Terry Duguid, who recently joined cabinet, voiced his full support for Trudeau in a text message to CBC News.

Carr’s call for leadership change comes amidst growing unrest within the Liberal Party, with MPs in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta also calling for Trudeau to resign. The Atlantic Liberal caucus recently joined the chorus of voices urging Trudeau to step down, following a meeting over the holidays.

In response to the escalating calls for change, Liberal MPs are set to convene for a special national caucus meeting next week. This meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, January 8, will mark the first gathering since Trudeau announced his intention to reflect on his future over the holidays. The meeting, chaired by Brenda Shanahan, is expected to last up to six hours as caucus members discuss the path forward for the party.

As the Liberal Party grapples with internal divisions and calls for leadership change, the upcoming caucus meeting will undoubtedly be a crucial moment in determining the party’s direction moving forward. It remains to be seen how Trudeau and the Liberal caucus will navigate these turbulent waters in the days and weeks ahead.