In a stunning turn of events that could reshape Canada’s political landscape, dozens of MPs from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s own Liberal party are openly calling for his resignation. The embattled leader, once seen as a fresh face who could revitalize the country, now finds his support crumbling from within after a series of controversies and missteps.
Freeland’s Exit Sparks Revolt
The tipping point came last week with the sudden resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, a key Trudeau ally who had served as his Finance Minister. In a scathing public letter, Freeland chastised Trudeau for not taking a harder stance against U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canada, warning they could devastate the economy.
Canada needs to keep its “fiscal powder dry today” so they have the reserves for a “coming tariff war”.
– Chrystia Freeland in her resignation letter
Her departure sent shockwaves through Ottawa and exposed deep rifts within the Liberal party. Now, a majority of Ontario’s 75 Liberal MPs – the core of Trudeau’s support base – have agreed in virtual meetings that it’s time for fresh leadership.
A Party Divided
Even newly appointed ministers are hedging their bets on Trudeau’s future. Housing Minister Nathaniel Erskine-Smith told the Toronto Star that whether the PM should remain “depends” on who is available to replace him.
Quebec MP Anthony Housefather was more blunt, telling CBC News the “vast majority” of Liberal lawmakers, public or not, believe it’s time for Trudeau to go. They worry he has become a liability heading into the next election.
Opposition Smells Blood
Trudeau’s rivals are seizing on the turmoil. NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has pulled his party’s support of the minority Liberal government and vows to oust Trudeau when Parliament resumes in January. That would likely trigger a snap spring election.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Trump is gleefully stoking the fire, mocking the “51st state” of Canada and taking personal credit for forcing Trudeau’s hand on border security to avoid tariffs. The White House seems content to watch their northern neighbor’s politics implode.
What’s Next for the Liberals?
Sources tell the Guardian that Freeland is quietly preparing a leadership bid, should the opportunity arise. Her resignation letter seemed to signal she intends to stay in politics, possibly to pick up the pieces after Trudeau.
For now, many MPs are urging the Prime Minister be given a “graceful exit” to resign on his own terms in the coming weeks. But with his base of power eroding by the day, it’s unclear how long Trudeau can hold on. One thing is certain – Canadian politics is headed for a major shakeup in 2025.
