Growing Pressure on Justin Trudeau to Step Down Amid Party Tensions

International news section 28-10-2024

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing increasing pressure from members of his own Liberal Party, with discontented MPs urging him to step down before the end of October or risk internal upheaval. As the likelihood of a significant electoral defeat looms, Trudeau has been given a deadline by some backbenchers to decide whether he will remain the party’s leader.

During a private caucus meeting held on Wednesday, around 20 Liberal MPs, none of whom are cabinet ministers, directly called for Trudeau’s resignation. Their warning stems from fears that continuing under his leadership could lead to a severe electoral loss in the next federal election. Although this faction is pushing for his departure, the rebellion hasn’t yet gathered sufficient support across the entire caucus of 153 Liberal MPs.

In addition to the vocal calls during the meeting, about 24 members of the party signed a letter urging Trudeau to clarify his intentions by October 28. However, the letter did not specify the consequences should he fail to comply. Despite the unrest, no alternative candidate for leadership has been suggested, leaving the future direction of the party uncertain.

Trudeau, now in his ninth year as prime minister, has seen his popularity take a significant hit, both inside and outside the party. Many within his ranks are concerned that his leadership could lead the Liberals to not only lose the next election but possibly finish a distant third in the standings. The latest polling data from CBC’s Poll Tracker shows the Conservative Party holding a nearly 20-point lead over the Liberals, deepening concerns of a looming defeat.

Two recent by-elections have intensified fears of a weakening Liberal base. This summer, the Liberals lost the LaSalle–Émard–Verdun district, a seat they had dominated for over five decades. Earlier, they had also lost a secure seat in downtown Toronto, further eroding confidence in Trudeau’s leadership. These defeats, coupled with increasing public dissatisfaction over the cost of living, housing shortages, and perceived policy failures, have fueled internal party discontent.

Trudeau, however, remains defiant. He has stated his intention to run in the next federal election, which is expected to take place before fall 2025. Following the meeting, several senior cabinet members voiced their continued support for the prime minister. Immigration Minister Marc Miller, one of Trudeau’s closest allies, expressed confidence that Trudeau would lead the party into the next election, where he would face off against Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

“This is not a crisis,” Miller said, brushing aside suggestions of a major internal fracture. He expressed admiration for his colleagues who had spoken candidly to Trudeau about their concerns but maintained his belief that the prime minister could still lead the party to victory.

Despite Miller’s reassurance, some MPs believe that the survival of Trudeau’s leadership may depend on significant changes in both policy direction and communication strategy. Liberal MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith emphasized the importance of addressing the frustrations within the party and incorporating these concerns into a new approach moving forward.

Trudeau, who remained largely tight-lipped following the meeting, gave a brief comment to reporters, insisting that the Liberal Party remains “strong and united.” However, with growing dissent from within his own ranks and a significant challenge from the Conservatives on the horizon, Trudeau’s future as leader remains uncertain.