A significant defeat for the Liberals in a downtown Toronto byelection has raised doubts about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s political future. Insiders warn the Conservative victory could signal a broader shift in upcoming federal elections.
Trudeau faces three main options:
- Finding a New Leader: Some suggest Trudeau may step down to allow a new leader to revitalize the party before the next election, despite the risks and tight timeline.
- Staying and Fighting: Trudeau has shown no signs of resigning, with supporters like Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland advocating for him to stay and regain voter trust.
- Calling a Snap Election: Inspired by recent European examples, Trudeau could opt for a snap election, though this strategy is controversial and risky.
Meanwhile, the New Democrats, despite a poor showing in the byelection, are unlikely to trigger an election soon, focusing instead on advancing shared priorities with the Liberals.