Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is increasingly expected to announce his intention to step down, although he has yet to make a final decision, according to a source familiar with his thinking. The source spoke with Reuters following a report by the Globe and Mail, which suggested that Trudeau might announce as soon as Monday that he will resign as the leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party after nine years in office.
The source, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, emphasized that no final decision had been made yet. However, it seems likely that Trudeau is preparing to depart. His resignation would leave the Liberal Party without a permanent leader at a time when polling data indicates that the party is expected to face a substantial defeat in an election due by late October, with the official opposition Conservatives in a strong position to win.
Although the exact timing of Trudeau’s announcement is uncertain, sources informed the Globe and Mail that it is expected to happen before a critical emergency meeting of Liberal legislators on Wednesday. The growing uncertainty about Trudeau’s future comes as more Liberal parliamentarians publicly call for him to step down, a reflection of the party’s poor polling performance in recent months.
The Prime Minister’s Office did not provide a response to Reuters’ request for comment outside regular business hours. According to Trudeau’s publicly available schedule for Monday, he is set to attend a virtual cabinet committee meeting focused on Canada-U.S. relations. It remains unclear whether Trudeau will leave office immediately or remain as Prime Minister until a new leader is chosen for the Liberal Party, a decision that has yet to be finalized.
As the Liberal Party grapples with the fallout of a poor polling period, calls for Trudeau’s resignation have grown louder. The Prime Minister became leader of the Liberal Party in 2013, at a time when the party was in disarray and had fallen to third place in the House of Commons. His leadership helped revitalize the party, culminating in the Liberals’ victory in 2015, when Trudeau promised a progressive agenda centered around gender equality, climate change action, and a vision of “sunny ways” in politics.
However, in recent years, Trudeau’s popularity has waned. Sources close to the party say that Trudeau and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc have discussed the possibility of LeBlanc stepping in as interim leader and Prime Minister if Trudeau resigns. However, one source noted that this would likely be unworkable if LeBlanc plans to run for the leadership position himself. As of now, no one has stepped forward as a clear successor, and the internal struggles within the party are mounting.
Trudeau had managed to fend off pressure from some Liberal lawmakers who were concerned about the party’s prospects in the polls and its loss of safe seats in two special elections. However, the calls for his resignation have grown significantly since December, when Trudeau attempted to demote one of his closest allies, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, after she disagreed with his plans for increased government spending. Freeland resigned instead, publicly accusing Trudeau of prioritizing “political gimmicks” over the country’s well-being.
The Prime Minister’s difficulties extend beyond internal party issues. In addition to the growing discontent within the party, Trudeau’s government has struggled to navigate a series of complex challenges. He had initially become popular for his progressive policies, which included promises of inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and social justice. However, over the course of his leadership, the realities of governing have made it difficult for Trudeau to maintain the same level of enthusiasm he once enjoyed.
Like many Western leaders, Trudeau’s administration has been significantly impacted by the global pandemic, which placed immense pressure on governments to provide economic support and health measures for their populations. While Ottawa spent heavily to protect consumers and businesses, leading to record budget deficits, these efforts have not been enough to shield the public from rising inflation and soaring prices. Public anger over the government’s handling of these issues has led to increasing discontent, with many Canadians expressing frustration over the lack of tangible improvements in their daily lives.
Another source of controversy has been Trudeau’s immigration policies, which some critics argue have been poorly managed. The government’s approach led to the arrival of hundreds of thousands of new immigrants, which put additional strain on Canada’s already overstressed housing market. As the housing crisis deepens, the government’s inability to address the challenges faced by Canadians has further fueled dissatisfaction with Trudeau’s leadership.
As the pressure mounts, Trudeau’s position within the Liberal Party has become more tenuous. While some still express loyalty to him, an increasing number of party members and lawmakers are calling for a leadership change. The situation is complicated by the fact that the next election is rapidly approaching, and the Liberals are struggling to gain momentum in the polls. Trudeau’s resignation, if it happens, would likely lead to further demands for a swift election to ensure that the country has a stable government capable of addressing both domestic and international challenges.
While there is still uncertainty about what Trudeau’s next move will be, it is clear that his leadership is under intense scrutiny. The possibility of his resignation, following years of political highs and lows, marks a pivotal moment in Canadian politics. Trudeau’s legacy will likely be shaped by both his successes and the growing dissatisfaction with his handling of key issues in recent years.
In conclusion, Trudeau’s decision about whether to step down remains uncertain, but growing calls for his resignation from within his party and from the Canadian public suggest that his time in office may be coming to an end. As his leadership faces mounting criticism and internal struggles, the Liberal Party is left to navigate a difficult period as it looks toward the future of Canadian politics.