A Divided Caucus: Which Liberal MPs are Publicly Supporting or Opposing Trudeau’s Leadership?

December 18, 2024 TruthUSA

The resignation of Chrystia Freeland from cabinet on Dec. 16 once again highlighted divisions within the Liberal caucus regarding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership. Some MPs who were previously silent on the issue are now speaking out.

Over 10 Liberal MPs have now publicly called on Trudeau to step down, although this is still short of the 23 who signed an internal letter in October demanding his resignation.

It seems that some of the new voices expressing their opinions did not sign that letter and have changed their stance since the last internal crisis in the fall.

Following a tense caucus meeting on Oct. 23, during which some MPs urged Trudeau to consider his future, Ontario MP Francis Drouin initially expressed full support for the prime minister. However, on Dec. 16, Drouin changed his position, stating that Trudeau “needs to go.”

The resignation of Freeland, who previously held the top government positions after the prime minister, has sparked concern among party members. She has received praise from her colleagues and former cabinet members since her resignation.

In her resignation letter, Freeland revealed that Trudeau offered her a different cabinet position on Dec. 13, just before she was due to present the 2024 Fall Economic Statement on the following Monday. Feeling that this indicated a lack of confidence in her, she resigned on the morning of Dec. 16, shortly before her scheduled statement.

During the caucus holiday party on Dec. 17, Trudeau acknowledged the recent events, describing the past days as “eventful” and “challenging,” likening it to family disagreements during the holidays. He did not address his political future.

‘Large Number’

Yvan Baker, a Toronto MP like Freeland, who was undecided in October during the caucus revolt, has shifted his position. Initially believing Trudeau needed time to reflect, Baker now supports having a secret ballot on the party’s leadership. Following Freeland’s resignation, he joined others in calling for Trudeau’s resignation, stating many MPs agree with him.

“I’m asking him to step down and transition to a new leader because I believe it’s in the best interest of the country and the party,” Baker told NewsTalk 1010 on Dec. 17.

Baker mentioned hearing from numerous constituents in his Etobicoke Centre riding who prefer a different Liberal leader as prime minister over Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

Pressure on Trudeau to reconsider his position began to mount in late June when the Liberals lost a stronghold riding to the Tories in a Toronto byelection. This pressure escalated in early September when the NDP terminated the agreement they had made with the Liberals in 2022 to maintain power until June 2025. This was followed by the Liberals losing another stronghold in a Montreal byelection less than two weeks later.

These events culminated in the October internal letter signed by 23 MPs urging Trudeau to step down. On the same day as Freeland’s resignation, the Liberals lost another seat, this time in a B.C. byelection, trailing the Conservatives by 50 percentage points.

Liberal MP Yvan Baker speaks to reporters before a meeting of the Liberal caucus on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Oct. 9, 2024. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press) — Liberal MP Yvan Baker…

On Dec. 16, two MPs who had signed the October letter once again called for Trudeau to step down.

“It’s obvious that Canadians across the country feel the same and want him to leave,” said Ontario MP Chad Collins in a statement. Collins stated that Canada needs to be led in a “new direction.”

Similar sentiments are shared by MPs throughout the country. Yukon’s sole MP, Brendan Hanley, expressed his desire for Trudeau’s resignation to CBC.

New Brunswick MP Wayne Long, who previously called for Trudeau’s resignation, was joined this week by René Arseneault, Serge Cormier, and Jennica Atwin. The only two N.B. MPs not calling for Trudeau’s resignation are cabinet ministers, including newly appointed Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc.

In September, Quebec MP Alexandra Mendès indicated that her constituents were discontent with Trudeau. However, she recently informed CBC News that Trudeau should resign, citing her dismay at Freeland’s treatment.

Another Quebec MP who has criticized the party’s approach during the Israel-Hamas conflict also expressed support for Trudeau’s departure. Anthony Housefather told CTV News that he had urged Trudeau to resign “a couple of months ago.”

P.E.I. MP Sean Casey has been advocating for Trudeau’s resignation for some time, although publicly. He does not anticipate the prime minister to heed such calls, asserting that recent events do not change anything for Trudeau.

Additionally, Casey expressed his willingness to support Freeland if she decides to pursue a leadership bid.

The MP from P.E.I. emphasized his belief in Trudeau’s unwavering confidence in his abilities and intelligence.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller, a longtime personal friend of Trudeau, emphasized the prime minister’s resilience in facing upcoming challenges, particularly with the changing U.S. administration and tariff threats.

“I have the utmost trust and confidence in his ability to guide us through these pivotal next two months, which will be crucial in our history,” Miller told CPAC on Dec. 17.