Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday that he will lead the Liberal Party in the next election, despite calls from over two dozen of his Members of Parliament urging him to step down, as reported by Canada-based Global News. One of his caucus members described Trudeau’s decision as “disappointing.”
Trudeau had a three-hour meeting with Liberal Members of Parliament on Wednesday (local time), during which he learned that over 20 lawmakers had signed a letter urging him to resign before the next election. Trudeau acknowledged there were “robust conversations” about the future but made it clear, saying, “that will happen with me as leader going into the next election.”
Speaking to reporters, Trudeau stated, “We will continue to have meaningful discussions about the best strategy to challenge Pierre Poilievre in the next election, but I will remain as leader.” When asked directly if he would remain in his position after the October 28 deadline, which some caucus members had reportedly set for a clear answer, Trudeau responded with a simple “Yes.” Regarding whether he would expel any dissenting members from the caucus, Trudeau mentioned they have had “robust conversations” about the path forward.
Trudeau’s Cabinet ministers maintain that the majority of the 153 Liberal MPs in the House of Commons still back his leadership. However, recent by-election losses in traditionally Liberal strongholds in Toronto and Montreal have sparked concerns about his ability to lead the party moving forward.
The next federal election could be held anytime between this fall and October of next year. Currently, the Liberals depend on the support of at least one other major party in Parliament, as they do not have an outright majority. These circumstances have added pressure on Trudeau to reassure his party and the public about his leadership.
Liberal MP Sean Casey on Trudeau’s decision to remain a leader
Liberal MP Sean Casey, one of three caucus members who confirmed signing a letter urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down, expressed disappointment over Trudeau’s decision to remain as leader just hours after MPs voiced their concerns. “I don’t think he felt the need to reflect or consolidate. His mind was made up,” Casey said, according to a report by Global News.
Despite his disappointment, Casey stated that he is now putting the issue behind him. He emphasized that his decision to speak out was driven by feedback from his constituents, adding that his focus is now on securing his seat in the next election. “I did my job by voicing what I was hearing from my constituents. Now, it’s going to take my energy to focus on winning my seat, not on internal party matters. As far as I’m concerned, it’s closed,” Casey said.
Political rift in Canada
The ongoing political rift in Canada has been further intensified by escalating tensions between India and Canada. Relations between the two countries deteriorated after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged in the Canadian Parliament last year that there were “credible allegations” of India’s involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India has strongly denied these claims, calling them “absurd” and “politically motivated.” Additionally, India has accused Canada of harboring extremist and anti-India elements.
Nijjar, who was declared a terrorist by India’s National Investigation Agency in 2020, was shot and killed outside a Gurdwara in Surrey in June last year. The diplomatic row deepened when Canada designated India’s High Commissioner and other diplomats as “persons of interest” in connection with the investigation into Nijjar’s death. This has further strained diplomatic ties, creating a significant source of tension between the two nations.
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