Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, already facing tensions with India, is now under pressure from his own party. Liberal MPs have given him an ultimatum: step down by October 28 or face unspecified consequences. This internal revolt is driven by growing concerns over the party’s declining popularity, with lawmakers pushing for a change in leadership to avoid electoral defeat.
Growing Dissent Among Liberal Party Lawmakers
Reports from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) indicate that around 24 Liberal Party lawmakers have signed a document urging Trudeau to step down. In recent weeks, anti-Trudeau MPs have been holding secret meetings to rally support for ousting him, fearing that his continued leadership could lead to disastrous results in the next federal election.
During a closed-door caucus meeting on Parliament Hill, MP Patrick Weiler read a letter to Trudeau, outlining the reasons why the prime minister should resign. The letter’s main demand: Trudeau must decide his future before October 28. Although the letter hasn’t been made public, it reflects the growing discontent within the party over Trudeau’s leadership.
Trudeau’s Emotional Response Behind Closed Doors
During the tense meeting, over 20 Liberal MPs, none of whom are part of the Cabinet, voiced their concerns about Trudeau’s decision to run for a fourth term. According to sources, Trudeau appeared visibly uncomfortable as MPs questioned his leadership and viability as the party’s leader. At one point, the prime minister reportedly became emotional, speaking about the toll his long political career has taken on his family, particularly his three children.
Trudeau acknowledged the concerns raised by his fellow party members, stating that he would take time to reflect on their arguments before making any decisions about his political future.
Public Persona vs. Private Tensions
Despite the private emotional moment, Trudeau emerged from the three-hour meeting with a composed and upbeat demeanor. He told reporters that the Liberal Party remains “strong and united,” but he declined to take any questions, particularly those related to his future as party leader. While Trudeau has previously expressed his intent to run for re-election, he has yet to sign the letter presented by his MPs and has indicated that he will consider their demands.
It is worth noting that no Canadian prime minister has won four consecutive terms in over a century, adding further pressure to Trudeau’s already precarious position.
Party Members Urge Trudeau to ‘Listen to the People’
Liberal MP Ken McDonald, one of the signatories urging Trudeau to step down, emphasized that the prime minister needs to start listening to the people. McDonald highlighted growing concerns among Liberal MPs, particularly those preparing to contest the upcoming election, who are nervous due to poor polling numbers and declining party popularity.
Polls reflect these concerns, with the latest Nanos poll showing the Liberal Party trailing the opposition Conservatives by a significant margin—38% to 25%. The loss of strongholds in special elections in Toronto and Montreal has further fueled doubts about Trudeau’s ability to lead the party to victory.
Trudeau’s Declining Popularity and Scandals
Trudeau’s leadership has been mired in controversy, not just domestically but also on the international stage. The Liberal Party’s declining fortunes in recent polls are partly attributed to public dissatisfaction with Trudeau’s handling of key issues, including his strained relationship with India and questions over his administration’s handling of gang-related violence in Canada.
A recent development has cast an even darker shadow over Trudeau’s leadership. Two Canadian gangsters, Tanner Fox and Jose Lopez, recently admitted to killing Ripudaman Singh Malik, a former Air India bombing suspect, in 2022. Their confession has brought to light Trudeau’s attempts to blame India for the murder of another Khalistani figure, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who was killed in 2023.
The Gang Rivalry Behind Nijjar’s Death
Trudeau has accused Indian agents of being behind Nijjar’s murder, despite lacking solid evidence. The Canadian federal police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), were reportedly investigating India’s involvement in the Malik case, with suspicions further raised after Malik praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2022.
However, the confession of Fox and Lopez, neither of whom have ties to India, suggests that Malik’s murder, and possibly Nijjar’s, were results of gang rivalries rather than a state-sponsored assassination. This revelation exposes Trudeau’s attempt to link the killing of Nijjar to India for political gain, a move that has strained Canada-India relations.
Trudeau’s Political Gambit with India Backfires
The Trudeau administration’s handling of the Nijjar case has raised eyebrows, particularly after RCMP Commissioner publicly urged anyone with information about the murder to come forward, revealing that the investigation lacked crucial evidence. This crowd-sourcing plea has further weakened the credibility of Trudeau’s accusations against India.
India, for its part, has repeatedly asked Canada to provide evidence supporting its claims about Indian involvement in Nijjar’s death, but no substantial proof has been presented. The Fox and Lopez confessions in the Malik case further expose the possibility that Nijjar’s murder was likely a retaliatory attack related to gang conflicts, undermining Trudeau’s narrative of India’s involvement.
Trudeau’s Leadership at a Crossroads
As the October 28 deadline approaches, Trudeau faces a critical decision. The pressure from within his own party, coupled with declining public support and ongoing international controversies, has created a volatile political environment for the Canadian prime minister. His decision to stay or step down could determine the future trajectory of the Liberal Party.
With mounting internal dissent and plummeting poll numbers, Trudeau’s once unshakable leadership now appears more fragile than ever. The upcoming days will be pivotal, as both the party and the public await Trudeau’s response to the growing calls for his resignation.
(With inputs from agencies)
