Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing increasing pressure from within his own Liberal caucus to step aside as party leader. A group of backbench MPs, mainly from Atlantic Canada and southwestern Ontario, are reportedly in talks to formally request that Trudeau consider the future of the Liberal Party when deciding whether to remain in his leadership role.
For months, MPs have privately expressed doubts about the prime minister’s future, with many resigned to the belief that he would continue leading. However, the situation shifted this week during a Wednesday caucus meeting.
In an unusual move, both the prime minister and his top aide were absent from the meeting. Discussion among MPs soon turned to the challenges facing the party, particularly in light of recent byelection results in Montreal and Toronto, as well as persistent unfavourable polling. The tone of the meeting grew tense, according to one MP who described it as “fraught.”
A “Secret” Meeting Among MPs
After staff from the Prime Minister’s Office were asked to leave, a group of MPs held what three sources described to CTV News as a “secret” caucus. During this unofficial gathering, the idea of making a formal request for Trudeau to reconsider his leadership began to take shape. Some MPs in the group, however, expressed a desire to speak to the prime minister directly before taking further action. As of now, no such conversation has taken place.
CTV News spoke with 24 Liberal MPs on Friday. About half were aware of a circulating letter asking Trudeau to step down, although they had not signed it. Several MPs claimed they had heard that approximately 30 MPs had signed the letter, though none had personally seen the signatures. Three MPs indicated they would support Trudeau stepping aside, while another three said they were unaware of the letter’s existence.
All MPs requested anonymity due to concerns about repercussions for speaking out. Many also noted that the Prime Minister’s Office has recently taken a tougher stance against MPs leaking information to the media.
The Toronto Star first reported news of the formal request for Trudeau to step down.
Trudeau in Laos
Prime Minister Trudeau has been in Laos for most of the week, attending the ASEAN summit. His plane landed in Honolulu for refueling on Friday evening when he and his team were made aware of the reports. Shortly afterward, Trade Minister Mary Ng addressed reporters traveling with the prime minister.
“I’m disappointed,” Ng said. “Canadians expect us to focus on their needs and continue doing our work.” She reaffirmed her support for Trudeau, stating, “I have full confidence in Justin Trudeau as my leader.” ( Source CTV with thanks)