TORONTO — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday his intention to lead the Liberal Party into the next federal election, despite requests from some party members for him to step aside prior to his potential fourth term.
Trudeau held a three-hour meeting with his Liberal MPs on Wednesday, during which he became aware that over 20 members signed a letter urging him to resign before the upcoming election. In response, he emphasized that discussions regarding the party’s future are taking place, but he remains committed to guiding the party as its leader in the upcoming contest.
It is notable that no Canadian prime minister has secured four consecutive terms in over a century. Supporters of Trudeau within the Cabinet have assured that he retains the backing of a significant majority of the 153 Liberal Party MPs in the House of Commons.
Recently, the Liberals experienced disappointing outcomes in special elections for two long-held seats in the Toronto and Montreal areas, which has fueled concerns regarding Trudeau’s effectiveness as a leader.
The timing of the next federal election remains uncertain, potentially occurring between this fall and the following October. The Liberal Party may have to seek support from at least one other political group in Parliament, as they do not currently control a majority.
The leader of the opposition Bloc Québécois has indicated plans to collaborate with the Conservatives and the New Democratic Party (NDP) to remove the Liberal government and initiate an election should there be no improvement in pension benefits.
Nelson Wiseman, an emeritus professor at the University of Toronto, stated that while Trudeau faces mounting pressure, dissenting lawmakers may not have sufficient leverage to unseat him. He explained, “Trudeau holds all the cards. It is up to him whether he wishes to remain in his position. The Liberal Party updated its leadership rules in 2016, granting the party leader immunity from challenges as long as they remain in office.”
Trudeau originally harnessed the charisma associated with his father in 2015, reinvigorating the country’s liberal identity after nearly ten years under Conservative governance. However, the current climate poses challenges, with Canadians expressing dissatisfaction due to rising living costs and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the latest Nanos poll, the Liberals are shown to trail the Conservatives, receiving 25% compared to the Conservatives’ 38%. This poll involved 1,037 participants and carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.