Pressure is mounting on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he faces significant calls for his resignation from within his own Liberal Party, following the recent resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Trudeau, who has served nearly nine years as Prime Minister, is now confronting internal dissent amid concerns about the Liberal Party's viability heading toward potential elections.
Freeland's departure on December 16, 2024, was not just unexpected; it sent shockwaves throughout the political arena. Citing disagreements over spending and policy, Freeland's resignation letter candidly expressed her frustrations with Trudeau's leadership and the urgency for Canada to prepare for challenges posed by the incoming U.S. administration. This has prompted over 50 Liberal MPs from Ontario, the party's stronghold, to reach consensus on the need for immediate leadership change.
According to reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, one notable Liberal MP, Chandra Arya, asserted, “There is no alternative but to have the leadership change now.” This sentiment reverberates throughout the party as many grapple with the reality of possible historical defeat if Trudeau leads them through the next election.
Adding fuel to the fire, the New Democratic Party (NDP), which has been pivotal to keeping Trudeau's minority government afloat, announced their intention to vote no-confidence when Parliament resumes on January 27. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh declared, “The Liberals don’t deserve another chance,” indicating his party’s determination to trigger elections and effectively remove Trudeau from power.
The political climate has grown increasingly tumultuous, with public opinion rapidly shifting against Trudeau. A recent Angus Reid Institute poll showed his approval rating dwindling to just 28%. This discontent is fueled by soaring living costs and deepening housing crises, along with perceptions of mishandling relations with the U.S. amid threats from President-elect Donald Trump concerning tariffs on Canadian products.
While Trudeau remains silent on his future, he plans to spend the holidays skiing with his family, reflecting on his leadership position. This break from public discourse has only deepened speculation and dissatisfaction among Liberal MPs, many of whom are urging him to step down on his own terms. Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith remarked, “Trudeau’s future depends on who might be available to succeed him.” This opens the door to potential successors such as Freeland, who remains politically active, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, and Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne.
The last-ditch efforts to maintain party unity seem to be unraveling. Beyond party lines, public perception of Trudeau is increasingly negative, and many fear he could become “the ballot issue” for the Liberals if elections occur soon. Quebec Liberal MP Anthony Housefather noted, “The vast majority believe Trudeau should resign, even if they haven’t publicly stated their position,” criticizing his leadership amid pressing national issues.
Should the anticipated no-confidence vote materialize, the repercussions could reshape Canada’s political fabric. Without the support of both NDP and the public, Trudeau's government may be forced from power, prompting elections possibly as early as spring 2025. The Conservative Party, benefiting from current political turmoil, appears poised to gain significantly should elections take place.
Former U.S. President Trump has already made his mark on the situation by ridiculing Trudeau, referring to him mockingly as “governor” and asserting Canada as the “51st U.S. state.” His provocative remarks come hand-in-hand with threats of tariffs, pushing Trudeau's administration to react vigorously to safeguard the Canadian economy. Meanwhile, the Liberal Party is defending its record by trying to steer the narrative toward the risks of a Conservative government, attempting to highlight potential cuts to public services.
With mounting pressure both from within and outside the party, Trudeau is at a pivotal crossroads. His decisions over the next few weeks will not only determine his political fate but could also redefine the future of the country’s governing structure. The growing dissent against him suggests the once firm foundation of his leadership is now increasingly shaky.
