Justice Minister Virani remains silent on support for Trudeau

December 19, 2024 TruthUSA

Justice Minister Arif Virani refused to disclose whether he supports Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remaining as leader amidst internal tensions within the Liberals after Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from the cabinet.

Virani was repeatedly questioned by reporters on December 19 about his stance on Trudeau’s leadership.

“I believe it’s crucial that decisions in Ottawa are made by the individuals involved,” Virani stated while announcing an unrelated issue in Toronto regarding Bill C-40.

Reflecting on his duties as justice minister and attorney general, Virani mentioned that he has full trust in the prime minister’s instructions to defend people’s rights and the Constitution without casually considering the notwithstanding clause.

While acknowledging ongoing discussions about future events, Virani admitted he couldn’t provide definitive answers or clarity about people’s prospects.

Several other ministers have publicly voiced their support for Trudeau as tensions escalated, beginning with the loss of a key Toronto riding to the Tories in a June byelection. Subsequent events included the NDP rescinding its agreement to support the minority Liberals until June 2025 and losing another significant riding in Montreal.

Freeland’s resignation as deputy prime minister and finance minister on December 16 has had significant repercussions within the Liberal cabinet and across the nation.

Although Virani didn’t explicitly affirm his backing for Trudeau’s leadership, he commended Freeland’s contributions.

Viri called her an exceptional colleague and parliamentarian, acknowledging her as a friend.

“I would like to take this opportunity to recognize her exceptional service in various portfolios in the country and her valuable contributions to Canada,” he stated, expressing his support for her decision to run in the upcoming election. “I have great respect for Chrystia,” he added.

Freeland, in her resignation letter on December 16 posted on social media, disclosed that Trudeau informed her on December 13 of her removal from the finance portfolio. She was scheduled to present the Fall Economic Statement on December 16 before being relieved of her duties. Freeland declined an alternative cabinet position, citing a lack of confidence from the prime minister as the reason for stepping down.

LeBlanc assumed the finance minister role on December 16, transitioning from his previous role as public safety minister while retaining the intergovernmental affairs portfolio.

A cabinet reshuffle is anticipated to occur on December 20 to fill the vacancies resulting from Freeland and Housing Minister Sean Fraser’s exit from the cabinet on December 16. Some ministers are fulfilling dual roles due to colleagues leaving the cabinet, and non-election candidates may also be replaced.

Filling these positions may pose challenges this time as more Liberal MPs are publicly calling for Trudeau to step down.

When questioned by reporters on December 19, LeBlanc was asked for advice on forming the new cabinet.

“That decision lies with the prime minister,” he remarked. “If he seeks my views on certain colleagues, I may or may not have discussions with him. Sometimes he does, sometimes he doesn’t. Those are private conversations.”

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