Internal Dissent Grows as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Faces Pressure to Resign from Liberal Party MPs

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under significant pressure from within his own party as 24 out of 153 Liberal Party MPs call for his resignation. The opposition surfaced during a recent Liberal Caucus meeting, as party members questioned Trudeau’s leadership amidst declining popularity ratings and diplomatic tensions with India. Despite the discontent, Trudeau reaffirmed his commitment to lead the party in the next election, stating, “But that will happen with me as leader going into the next election.”

Internal Discontent and Calls for Change

The dissent among the Liberal Party ranks intensified following recent losses in key byelections in Toronto—St. Paul’s and Montreal. Discontented MPs have reportedly been holding closed meetings to discuss Trudeau’s leadership, signing a document calling for him to step down by October 28. Among the MPs openly expressing disappointment is Liberal MP Sean Casey, who confirmed he signed the document urging Trudeau’s resignation. Describing Trudeau’s decision to stay on as “disappointing,” Casey said, “I don’t think that he felt that he needed to reflect, consolidate. His mind was made up.”

Casey, representing Charlottetown, also highlighted the frustrations of his constituents and expressed doubts about Trudeau’s current course. “I wouldn’t call it delusional, but he’s seeing something that I don’t see, that my constituents don’t see,” he said, underscoring the dissonance between Trudeau’s leadership approach and the sentiments of his constituents. Nevertheless, Casey urged his colleagues not to vote against the current government, emphasizing that a government led by opposition leader Pierre Poilievre would be a worse outcome for Canadians.

Trudeau’s Response to the Growing Rebellion

In response to the backlash, Trudeau stood firm on his decision, stating, “Yes,” when asked directly if he would remain leader after October 28. Acknowledging the dissent, he emphasized that the party would continue with “robust conversations” about how to address the challenges ahead. Following the meeting, several MPs commented on a sense of unity within the party but refrained from sharing specific details on the discussions held behind closed doors.

The closed-door caucus meeting on Parliament Hill became a venue for frustrated Liberal MPs to voice their grievances directly to Trudeau. Sources reveal that between 20 and 30 MPs had signed a document presented during the meeting, laying out a case for Trudeau’s resignation. However, the document reportedly did not specify any consequences if Trudeau fails to meet the October 28 deadline.

Mounting External and Internal Pressures

Trudeau’s popularity has been further challenged by escalating diplomatic tensions with India. Last year, he publicly alleged in the Canadian Parliament that there were “credible allegations” of India’s involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistani activist designated as a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020. Nijjar was killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year. India has refuted the allegations, calling them “absurd” and “politically motivated,” while also accusing Canada of sheltering extremist and anti-India elements.

Trudeau’s statements on the Nijjar case, coupled with growing tensions between India and Canada, have added fuel to the fire. Some political observers have suggested that Trudeau may be deflecting from other issues, such as alleged Chinese interference in Canada’s last two federal elections and efforts to appeal to the Khalistani vote bank within Canada.

What Lies Ahead

The internal demands for Trudeau’s resignation reveal growing unrest within the Liberal Party and reflect broader discontent regarding the party’s current direction. Whether Trudeau’s commitment to leading the party in the next election will quell the unrest or further deepen the divide remains uncertain. As the October 28 deadline approaches, all eyes will be on Trudeau’s next moves and the potential impact on the Liberal Party’s unity as they prepare for the next electoral battle.