Some lawmakers in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s own Liberal Party requested that he refrain from running for a fourth term, presenting him with one of the most significant challenges of his political career.
A smiling Mr. Trudeau stated that Liberals are “strong and united” following a three-hour meeting with Liberal Members of Parliament. Three Liberals confirmed that they were part of a group of over 20 lawmakers from the party who signed a letter urging Mr. Trudeau to step down before the next election. There are 153 Liberals in Canada’s House of Commons.
“He needs to start listening, listening to the people,” stated Ken McDonald, a Liberal Member of Parliament from Newfoundland who disclosed that he signed the letter, which has not been publicly released.
Mr. McDonald, who will not seek re-election, mentioned that some of his colleagues who plan to run are feeling anxious due to poor polling numbers. Wayne Long of New Brunswick and Sean Casey of Prince Edward Island also publicly confirmed their signatures on the letter.
Mr. Trudeau, who had previously expressed his intention to run again, did not entertain questions from reporters after the meeting. It has been over 100 years since a Canadian prime minister won four consecutive terms.
His Cabinet ministers have vocally supported him.
“There is currently some internal drama unfolding, which is distracting us from our primary duty of focusing on Canadians,” remarked Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, a member of the Liberal Party.
Not all Liberal Members of Parliament stood behind Mr. Trudeau.
“The decision of whether he remains as leader of the party is up to the leader himself,” stated Ontario Liberal lawmaker Yvan Baker.
Charles Sousa, a Liberal Member of Parliament representing a suburban Toronto area, mentioned that Trudeau is reflecting. He clarified that he did not sign the letter.
“Trudeau has clearly stated that he believes he is the right choice but he values all the feedback he is receiving,” Mr. Sousa remarked. “I respect his decision, whatever it may be.”
Mr. Trudeau’s Liberals recently faced defeats in special elections in two districts in Toronto and Montreal that have been held by the party for years, casting doubts on Trudeau’s leadership.
The federal election could be held anytime between this fall and October 2025. As they do not hold the majority of seats, the Liberals need to garner the support of at least one major party in Parliament.
The opposition leader of the Bloc Québécois has announced that his party will collaborate with the Conservatives and the New Democratic Party (NDP) to bring down the Liberals and prompt an election if the government does not enhance pensions for seniors.
Mr. Trudeau harnessed the charisma of his father in 2015 when he reaffirmed the country’s liberal identity after nearly a decade of Conservative rule. However, the son of the late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau is currently facing challenges. Canadians have expressed frustration over the rising cost of living post the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the latest Nanos poll, the Liberals trail the opposition Conservatives by 38% to 25%. The poll, which surveyed 1,037 respondents, has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.
“The situation for the Liberals in the opinion polls is likely to remain dire. Unless something significant and unforeseen occurs, the electoral prospects for the Liberals with Justin Trudeau at the helm appear bleak,” remarked Daniel Béland, a politics professor at McGill University in Montreal.
Mr. Trudeau’s legacy includes implementing extensive immigration policies, legalizing cannabis, and introducing a carbon tax aimed at combating climate change.
“He revived the Liberals back in 2015 but, over time, he has become a significant liability for them,” Mr. Béland added.
Published – October 24, 2024 09:07 am IST
