OTTAWA — The pressure is mounting on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as calls for his resignation intensify among his own Liberal Party MPs. Veteran London Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos has become one of the latest prominent figures to urge Trudeau to step down, following significant internal dissent since the resignation of Chrystia Freeland, the former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, on December 16, 2024.
Fragiskatos, who has been serving as the MP for London North Centre since 2015, stated, "I do think it’s time for the prime minister to resign," highlighting the growing calls from constituents for Trudeau to reflect on his leadership. He noted, "I wanted the prime minister to do what he had committed to doing... no individual is bigger than the Liberal Party of Canada, and much more important than any individual, no one is bigger than the country."
Since Freeland's abrupt departure, the sentiment among many Liberal MPs has shifted dramatically, with Fragiskatos confirming, "That number has grown and frankly, is likely to grow larger." Alongside Fragiskatos, Winnipeg MP Ben Carr has also made headlines with his eye-catching statement, voicing his constituents’ feelings of alienation from party leadership. Carr candidly mentioned, "It's time for change," as calls from colleagues to replace Trudeau gain momentum.
The grassroots push for leadership change echoes concerns not only from party loyalists but also from constituents across Canada. Fragiskatos acknowledged these changing tides, noting the shift began even before Freeland's resignation. "The heart of my position is about reflecting the thoughts of my constituents and party members," he said, "and there's widespread agreement for new leadership. The prime minister has had ample time to think during the holidays, and it’s now time for him to act."
A special meeting of the national Liberal caucus is expected to address these pressing concerns and is slated for January 8, 2025. Party chair Brenda Shanahan communicated to MPs about the meeting, emphasizing its importance as members attempt to navigate the growing crisis within their ranks. With significant discussions around potential next steps and the likelihood of appointing an interim leader, uncertainty looms as Trudeau has yet to publicly respond to the mounting calls for his resignation.
Opposition parties, including the federal NDP and Conservatives, are resolute about scheduling non-confidence motions against Trudeau's government once Parliament resumes on January 27. This political maneuvering suggests the mounting pressure on Trudeau is intensifying and raises serious questions about the future of the Liberal Party.
Fragiskatos also mentioned the potential for reevaluation of the party's vision, insisting, "We need a new leader to offer fresh ideas to confront the challenges facing us today." His words came against the backdrop of rising discontent among constituents who feel distanced from the current leadership.
The calls for resignation from key party figures, like Fragiskatos and Carr, mark a significant turning point for the Liberal Party, which has found itself struggling to reconcile its leadership with public sentiment. Further complicate matters, Fragiskatos noted, "The continued leadership of Prime Minister Trudeau is just not tenable — especially with recent developments around Freeland's exit. The party needs room to recover and regain the confidence of the public."
Trudeau's odds of resigning have reportedly surged, illustrating the perceived instability of his leadership. A source showed Polymarket’s odds indicated it jumping from 33% to 51%, evidencing the growing expectation among observers for changes to occur at the top.
With the House of Commons set to reconvene soon, tensions will reach new heights as opposition parties prepare to formally challenge Trudeau's government. Fragiskatos and Carr's remarks reflect broader concerns among not just their local constituents, but also about the Liberal Party's ability to connect with Canadians amid shifting political landscapes.
Fragiskatos concluded with aspirations for the future of the Liberal Party, advocating for smart, thoughtful candidates amid all these uncertainties, stating, "One thing the Conservatives ought to keep in mind is they should never underestimate the Liberal Party of Canada. This is one of the most successful political parties within the Western political tradition." The growing chorus for change within the party suggests there may be pivotal decisions approaching, with the anticipation of new leadership on the horizon if Trudeau does not take decisive action soon.