TORONTO — A notable shift is occurring within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s own Liberal Party, as some lawmakers have publicly urged him not to pursue a fourth term. This development poses a significant challenge in Trudeau’s political journey.
A letter advocating for Trudeau’s resignation has been signed by over 20 members of Parliament from the Liberal Party, according to three of its members. With 153 Liberals occupying seats in Canada’s House of Commons, this growing dissent signals an uneasy atmosphere.
Liberal MP Ken McDonald from Newfoundland, one of the signatories, expressed concern about the need for Trudeau to be more responsive to public sentiment. He noted that several colleagues are wary about their chances in the upcoming election due to disappointing polling results. Additionally, Wayne Long from New Brunswick and Sean Casey from Prince Edward Island confirmed their support for the letter as well.
As Trudeau entered a meeting with fellow lawmakers on Wednesday, he remained smiling but refrained from commenting on the situation. His Cabinet members later rallied behind him. Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault remarked on the ongoing “palace drama” and emphasized the necessity to concentrate on the primary task of serving Canadians.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller, a friend of Trudeau, initially dismissed the grievances as “garbage” but later commented that the concerns expressed during the meeting were essential for parliamentary transparency. He suggested that it was crucial for MPs to voice their true feelings about leadership, regardless of the discomfort it may bring.
Ontario Liberal MP John McKay characterized the meeting as an open and honest discussion, stating that it was ultimately Trudeau’s choice to continue leading the party. Fellow MP Nate Erskine-Smith underscored the importance of heeding feedback from colleagues about frustrations felt over the years, insisting that genuine changes must follow.
Recent electoral defeats in special elections for traditional Liberal strongholds in Toronto and Montreal have intensified scrutiny over Trudeau’s leadership style. With the next federal election looming as early as this fall and as late as October 2025, the Liberals are in a precarious position, needing the support of at least one other major party to maintain stability.
Leader of the Bloc Québécois, Yves-François Blanchet, announced that his party plans to collaborate with the Conservatives and the New Democratic Party (NDP) to push the Liberals towards an election unless the government improves pension benefits for seniors. “The question now is: what will Justin Trudeau, the superstar, do in the coming days?” Blanchet stated.
Trudeau, who once captured the public’s imagination with a renewal of liberal values reminiscent of his father’s legacy, now faces mounting challenges amid rising discontent over living costs post-COVID-19. In recent polling by Nanos, the Liberals lag significantly behind the Conservatives, with their support measured at 25% compared to the Conservatives’ 38%. The survey, involving 1,037 respondents, carries a margin of error of approximately 3.1 percentage points.
According to Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University, the outlook for the Liberals appears bleak under Trudeau’s leadership. He pointed out that Trudeau’s popularity has significantly waned since 2015 due to several controversies and a lack of clear communication about his administration’s policies. Béland believes it is unlikely that Trudeau will regain substantial public support at this point.
Trudeau’s political legacy includes sweeping immigration reforms, the legalization of cannabis, and the introduction of a carbon tax aimed at combating climate change. However, Béland reflects on the changing tide by stating that while Trudeau salvaged the Liberals in 2015, he has now become a considerable liability for the party.