Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce his resignation as leader of the Liberal Party within the next few days. His leadership is under mounting pressure from both his party and the public. Sources familiar with the situation suggest that Trudeau could make the announcement as early as Monday, ahead of a crucial Liberal national caucus meeting on Wednesday.
Trudeau: A Leadership Crisis
Trudeau’s expected resignation follows significant political turmoil. Growing dissatisfaction among Liberal MPs and dismal public opinion polls indicate that the Liberal Party is at risk of losing power to the Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre. According to three sources who spoke to The Globe and Mail on the condition of anonymity, Trudeau’s advisers have been working behind the scenes to assess his options and strategise his departure.
Trudeau, who has led the Liberal Party for over a decade, is reportedly aware that he must act before the caucus meeting to avoid being perceived as being pushed out by his MPs. The Liberal Party is grappling with discontent among its members, particularly following Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland’s surprise resignation in mid-December.
Caucus Pressure and Public Opinion
The resignation of Freeland, who stepped down over concerns regarding government spending and handling of potential tariffs under a future Donald Trump administration, marked a turning point in Trudeau’s leadership. It reignited calls from various MPs for him to step down, especially after internal party polling indicated a significant loss of support for the Liberals.
The Liberals’ national caucus, the party’s highest decision-making body, has been in turmoil. Several regional caucuses, including those in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, and Quebec, have expressed a lack of confidence in Trudeau’s leadership. Together, these regions account for 131 of the Liberals’ 153 seats in the House of Commons.
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Leadership Succession Plans
The Liberal Party now faces the challenge of selecting a new leader. Trudeau has been in discussions with senior party members about how the leadership transition should unfold. While some have suggested that an interim leader should be appointed, others believe a leadership contest should take place, even though such a contest could take several months to organise.
It remains unclear whether Trudeau will stay as Prime Minister until a new leader is selected or if he will step down immediately. Some party insiders believe that keeping him in office until a new leader is chosen might allow the government to navigate challenges such as the looming threat of 25-percent tariffs from the incoming Trump administration.
Possible Leadership Contenders
As speculation grows about who will succeed Trudeau, several prominent Liberal figures have been mentioned as potential candidates. These include former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, and Transport Minister Anita Anand. Other possible contenders include former housing minister Sean Fraser, former central banker Mark Carney, and former British Columbia Premier Christy Clark.
Polling data has also shown that the Liberal Party’s fortunes may improve if a new leader takes over. A recent survey from Angus Reid suggested that while support for the Liberals under Trudeau has plummeted to just 13 per cent, it would jump to 21 per cent if Freeland were to take over as leader. This increase in support underscores the urgency with which the party seeks to secure new leadership before the next federal election.
The Road Ahead
With Canada’s federal government facing a critical juncture, Trudeau’s resignation could have far-reaching consequences for the political landscape. As the Liberal Party grapples with internal divisions, the search for a new leader is set to dominate political discussions in the coming weeks. The outcome of the leadership race, coupled with the ongoing challenges facing Trudeau’s government, will likely determine the course of Canadian politics shortly.