Freeland Believes Caucus Meeting Will Mend Liberal Divisions on Leadership
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed her belief that concerns about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership within the Liberal caucus will be resolved after members meet on Oct. 23.
There has been significant anticipation surrounding the meeting, where some MPs are expected to call for Trudeau’s resignation. The last caucus meeting attended by the prime minister was on Oct. 2.
Responding to reporters on Oct. 22, Freeland was asked if she thought the issue of Liberal unity would be settled once the caucus convenes. She confidently replied, “Yes, I do.”
“I am fully confident that the vast majority of Liberal MPs support the prime minister, endorse his leadership of our party and government, and are eager to collaborate,” Freeland added.
Freeland, holding roles as deputy prime minister and finance minister, also stated that she does not believe Canadians are interested in the current political disputes as they grapple with cost-of-living challenges.
Frustrated Liberal MPs have been circulating a letter to garner support in requesting the prime minister’s resignation. The content of the letter and the number of signatures it has received have not been made public.
Discontented Liberal MPs have primarily chosen to remain silent, with Sean Casey from P.E.I. being among the few to publicly advocate for Trudeau’s resignation.
Freeland emphasized that it is beneficial for her party to have differing opinions and open discussions, a sentiment echoed by other ministers throughout the day.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller, known for his frankness, expressed exasperation over the internal party turmoil.
Like Freeland, he supported Trudeau and noted that the “vast majority” of MPs also back the prime minister, along with the full cabinet. No cabinet minister has publicly expressed doubts about Trudeau’s leadership.
Recently, four ministers announced they would not seek re-election, including Minister of Sport Carla Qualtrough and Minister of National Revenue Marie-Claude Bibeau.
The wave of resignations began after the Liberals suffered defeats in byelections in Toronto in June and Montreal in September.
The chances of the Liberals forming the next government in the upcoming election appear bleak, as they have consistently trailed the Tories in the polls by a significant margin for an extended period.