Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under growing pressure to step down as support within his own Liberal Party continues to crumble. On Sunday, former allies spoke out, saying many Liberal MPs now believe it’s time for him to resign. The turmoil follows the unexpected resignation of Deputy PM and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, a key figure in Trudeau’s government for nearly a decade. Freeland reportedly clashed with Trudeau over US President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports. Her departure has sparked more criticism within the party.
Chandra Arya, an MP from Ottawa, told CBC on Sunday, "A majority of the caucus thinks it is time for the prime minister to step aside." This came after a meeting of Liberal MPs from Ontario on Saturday, where over 50 of the 75 MPs reportedly expressed their lack of support for Trudeau. Anthony Housefather, another Liberal MP from Quebec, called for Trudeau to leave, stating, "The prime minister needs to go. We're in an impossible situation if he stays." Housefather warned of major losses for the party if Trudeau remained at the helm.
Trudeau is reportedly meeting with advisers to decide his next steps. While the next federal election is scheduled for October 2025, many suspect it might occur sooner. On Friday, Trudeau attempted to address criticism by reshuffling approximately one-third of his cabinet. Compounding his troubles, New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh announced on the same day his party would back efforts to topple Trudeau’s minority government early next year, marking a significant shift from the NDP’s previous position of opposing non-confidence votes.
If another no-confidence vote is held, support from Singh’s NDP could likely lead to the collapse of the government. Trudeau, who led the Liberals to victories in 2015, 2019, and 2021, is confronted with glaring public opinion challenges, trailing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre by 20 points.
Underlying Trudeau’s political predicament is the bitter fallout from Freeland's resignation, which many see as pivotal. Having served as both Deputy PM and Finance Minister, Freeland’s resignation letter was scathing about her clashes with Trudeau over key policy issues. Shortly after her departure, Singh made waves by planning to introduce a formal no-confidence motion when Parliament resumes from its winter break on January 27, 2025. Freeland’s exit, paired with Singh's announcement, has escalated criticisms about Trudeau’s leadership style and governance.
Freeland’s long-standing role was seen not just as administrative but also foundational for the Liberal government’s credibility, especially during turbulent times marked by crises such as the pandemic and trade negotiations. Her departure indicates internal fractures within the Liberal Party. Reports indicate at least 51 Liberal MPs agreed during their discussions, held virtually, to urge Trudeau’s resignation.
The dissent has not only shaken Trudeau’s core supporters but also emboldened opposition parties. With NDP's support of the no-confidence motion, the path for triggering elections has significantly opened up. If the motion passes, it could push Canada toward immediate elections—an outcome Trudeau would most likely want to avoid at all costs.
Surveys have shown the Liberal Party suffering from voter fatigue. Polls indicate strong support for the Conservatives, as public dissatisfaction grows over high costs of living and national issues such as housing crises. Backing from several small parties would likely see the opposition calling for accountability and progressive change, especially focusing on economic growth amid rising costs.
A notable element bubbling beneath the surface is the growing discussion surrounding possible successors to Trudeau. After Freeland’s departure, some Liberal MPs have shown interest in her stepping up as the new prime ministerial candidate if Trudeau resigns. Arya, who has echoed the sentiment of many dissenters, remarked, "Whether by design or circumstance, she has emerged as a credible and stable alternative to your leadership." This points to Freeland’s political acumen and the shifting focus within the party.
Trudeau’s potential resignation poses significant ramifications—not just for Canada internally, but also for its international relations. Diplomatic ties, especially strained between Canada and India following Trudeau’s accusations against Indian officials, could take a new direction should there be leadership change. Some observers believe Freeland's policies might pave the way for mending ties with India, especially if her approach steers away from contentious diplomatic statements.
The mounting pressure on Trudeau symbolizes broader discontent within Canada’s political ecosystem. The sentiment across party lines and from constituents indicate many Canadians are seeking substantial change. Canadian politics may be poised to witness considerable transformations as the Liberal Party navigates these choppy waters, balancing internal dissent with the pressing needs of their electorate.
With public opinion tracking unfavorably for Trudeau, the urgency for rectifying political direction intensifies as progressive reform remains at the forefront of many voters' minds. Political analysts will be watching closely to see how Trudeau responds to this challenging wave of dissent within his party and which direction the Liberals might take moving forward.
