OTTAWA — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing the strongest challenge to his leadership from within his own Liberal Party, after several members called on him to resign during a closed-door meeting on October 23. The push comes amid mounting concerns that Trudeau’s leadership could doom the party’s chances in the next federal election.
For more than a year, the Liberal Party has lagged behind the opposition Conservative Party in polls, trailing by double digits. The party’s anxiety reached new heights after losing two special parliamentary elections in stronghold districts earlier this year, intensifying fears of a potential electoral disaster in the upcoming general election, which must be held by next October.
The growing discontent was laid bare during a caucus meeting attended by most of the 153 Liberal members of Parliament in Ottawa. According to multiple Canadian news outlets citing unnamed sources, Trudeau was presented with a letter signed by about two dozen caucus members urging him to step aside. The letter, which had been circulating in secret for several days, was read aloud during the meeting, triggering criticism from roughly 20 party members.
Trudeau reportedly responded by acknowledging the concerns raised and promising to reflect on them. However, he did not indicate any intention to resign, according to CBC News.
Despite the internal criticism, none of the party members who spoke to the media openly challenged Trudeau’s leadership, with most expressing continued support for him. Trudeau himself dismissed concerns about party unity, stating, “The Liberal Party is strong and united,” as he left the meeting.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller, a close friend of Trudeau since their high school days, told reporters after the meeting that he did not expect the prime minister to step down.
However, political analysts suggest that the tense atmosphere within the party could weaken Trudeau’s standing further. Lori Turnbull, a political scientist at Dalhousie University, expressed skepticism about the party’s ability to maintain unity. “Maybe they walked in there and just let it rip and they feel better,” she said. “But I just don’t see how this ‘we’re one big happy family’ is going to last for any period of time.”
As the pressure mounts, Trudeau’s leadership of the Liberal Party remains in question, with the next election drawing ever closer.