A growing number of Liberal MPs—reportedly as many as 50—have signed a petition calling for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as leader of the Liberal Party.
This internal revolt comes amid mounting dissatisfaction following multiple byelection losses, including in once-safe Liberal strongholds like Toronto and Montreal. PEI Liberal MP Sean Casey went public last week, saying, “It’s time for him to go.”
Discontent within the party has been simmering since the summer, but it intensified after Trudeau’s recent defeats and his absence from the House of Commons ahead of the October break.
Despite the growing pressure, Trudeau remains firm in his stance, insisting he will lead the party into the next election, which could take place before October 2025.
Trudeau’s leadership troubles were further highlighted during his testimony at the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference. While the inquiry focused on Chinese interference in Canadian elections, Trudeau shifted attention by accusing unnamed Conservatives of being influenced by foreign governments.
“I have the names of a number of parliamentarians… in the Conservative Party of Canada who are engaged, or at high risk of… foreign interference,” he claimed. This accusation sparked outrage from Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, who accused Trudeau of “lying” and demanded he release the names.
Meanwhile, prominent Liberal ministers have attempted to downplay the rebellion. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland expressed confidence in Trudeau’s leadership, assuring reporters that “the vast majority of members of our caucus support the prime minister.” Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly also reaffirmed her loyalty to Trudeau.
However, the growing number of MPs calling for change reflects a deepening divide within the Liberal Party.
