Quebec Liberal MPs Call for Trudeau's Resignation

In a shocking turn of events, Quebec Liberal MPs are now calling for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to resign ahead of the next federal election, making them the third regional caucus to voice such sentiments. This internal dissent comes at a time when the party faces increasing pressure amid plummeting poll numbers.

Internal Discussions Among Quebec MPs

Discussions among Quebec MPs began following the House of Commons' winter recess on December 17, leading to a consensus that Trudeau must step down, according to sources familiar with the dialogue. Stephane Lauzon, the chair of the Quebec Liberal caucus, has been tasked with conveying this urgent message to national caucus leadership.

Urgent Meetings and Future Discussions

Although Lauzon refrained from confirming the existence of any formal letters or meetings addressing the resignation call, he acknowledged that there have been no official caucus gatherings since December 11. The next official meeting is slated for January 9, where these pressing matters are expected to dominate discussions.

Growing Trend of Dissent Within the Liberal Party

The Quebec caucus is joining a growing trend within the Liberal party, as both the Ontario and Atlantic Liberal caucuses have recently arrived at similar conclusions about Trudeau's leadership. Lori Turnbull, a political science professor, noted that the significant discontent surrounding Trudeau exemplifies a "death by a thousand cuts." With this overwhelming dissent, Trudeau's position appears increasingly precarious.

Support for Leadership Change

Anthony Housefather, a Quebec Liberal MP, echoed sentiments from his peers, stating that an overwhelming majority of his colleagues believe it is time for a change in leadership. The urgency of this call follows the abrupt resignation of Chrystia Freeland, once a staunch ally of Trudeau, which sent shockwaves throughout the Cabinet and the party.

Trudeau's Current Situation

Currently, Trudeau is on vacation in British Columbia, but there are indications that he is contemplating his political future. Ontario MP Chandra Arya remarked that the crux of the issue is not whether a transition is necessary, but when it will happen.

Public Calls for Resignation from Atlantic Caucus

Furthermore, Atlantic caucus chair Kody Blois made headlines by publicly calling for Trudeau to step down, emphasizing that the current leadership is no longer tenable. This growing chorus of concerns is amplified by serious polling figures, illustrating widespread dissatisfaction. A recent Ipsos poll revealed only 23% of Canadians believe Trudeau deserves re-election, with 73% suggesting he should resign, highlighting a crisis in confidence.

Liberal Party’s Declining Popularity

The Liberal Party’s declining popularity is striking; support has plummeted to levels not seen since 2014, with some surveys indicating that the party is tied with the NDP at a mere 20%. Another alarming poll by Angus Reid found that nearly half of Canadians want Trudeau out and intend to push for an early election in February.

Parliament's Upcoming Reconvening and Political Maneuvering

As Parliament is set to reconvene on January 27, both the Conservatives and NDP are preparing non-confidence motions, indicating their desire to capitalize on the Liberal's internal turmoil. Speculation is rife that Trudeau may prorogue Parliament to delay significant decisions, as pressure mounts with the approaching inauguration of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump—who has threatened economic instability by imposing tariffs on Canadian imports.

Trudeau's Future Amidst Rising Calls for Resignation

Political analysts agree that the timing could not be more challenging for Trudeau. As calls to resign grow louder, the fate of the Liberal Party hangs in the balance, with the next federal election set for no later than October 2025. The question remains: will Trudeau heed the escalating demands for his resignation, or will he fight to retain his position amidst an uncertain political landscape?

Conclusion

Stay tuned as this political saga continues to unfold!