(Ottawa) A Liberal MP not seeking re-election has sent an email to his fellow caucus members demanding that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resign as party leader.
Tension between some caucus members grew after the Liberals lost their stronghold seat of Toronto—St. Paul East to the Conservatives by about 600 votes.
The Liberals had claimed the urban riding as their own for about 30 years. Some Liberal MPs blame the defeat on the choice of candidate and a poor campaign, while others point to Justin Trudeau as the problem.
PHOTO MICHAEL HAWKINS, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Wayne Long
In the email obtained by The Canadian Press, New Brunswick MP Wayne Long says he has reflected on the Toronto loss—St. Paul’s wants to let caucus know “clearly and directly” where he stands.
He added that “for the future of our party and for the good of our country, we need new leadership and new direction.” He went on to argue that “voters have spoken loud and clear about their desire for change” and he agrees.
Mr. Long did not respond to a request for comment.
A few Liberal MPs have said privately that they think Mr. Trudeau should go, but a broader group including several cabinet members has publicly supported the prime minister.
Rebellion
Some level of rebellion within the Liberal caucus is not unusual for the party since it began lagging in national opinion polls, behind the Conservatives, who have focused heavily on political issues. financial accessibility.
In January, Newfoundland Liberal MP Ken McDonald called for a leadership review, comments he later walked back.
But when Mr. Long’s email was sent to the caucus, Mr. McDonald responded “well said,” according to a Global News media report.
Rumors about Justin Trudeau have swirled in the Ottawa bubble for months, but the prime minister maintains he will continue to lead until voters say otherwise.
Cabinet members say Trudeau remains the best possible leader to take on Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, whom they describe as a fake career politician eager to usher in program cuts.
The next federal election is expected to take place by the fall of 2025, and this week, Justin Trudeau acknowledged there is a lot for him and his team to do between now and then.
“These are not easy times. And it is clear that I and my entire team still have a lot of work to do to make tangible, real progress that Canadians can see and feel,” Trudeau said during a presentation in British Columbia, where he did not respond to media questions.
“We will never stop working and fighting to ensure you have what you need to get through these difficult times. I’m focused on your success and that’s where it’s going to stay,” he continued.
Guilbeault reiterates his support
PHOTO SPENCER COLBY, THE CANADIAN PRESS
Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault
Throughout the week, Liberal MPs communicated with each other from across the country, as they attempted to chart a path forward and get a sample of everyone’s feelings, not only about Mr. Trudeau, but also of their party.
THE Toronto Star reported that Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault was caught this week at a train station discussing internal caucus issues.
Mr. Guilbeault responded to the story by issuing a statement reiterating his loyalty to Mr. Trudeau and the party.
“One-sided conversations taken out of context do not reflect the open and honest exchanges I usually have with my caucus colleagues,” Minister Guilbeault said in a statement Friday.
“As I have said publicly on many occasions, Prime Minister Trudeau has my full support and I will continue to work to support Canadians.”
The prime minister’s office declined to comment.