Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s grip on power is weakening as his approval ratings continue to plummet and internal turmoil within his Liberal Party intensifies. In the face of dwindling support, Trudeau is under increasing pressure to step down, with members of his own caucus urging him to resign after nearly a decade in office.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Kody Blois, the chair of the Atlantic Caucus, expressed the growing dissatisfaction among Liberal MPs, stating, “Time is of the essence, and our Caucus is of the view that it is not tenable for you to remain as the Leader, and that we need to allow for the necessary conversations on transition to take place.”
The Atlantic Liberals, once considered a critical support base for Trudeau’s party, now believe it is in the best interest of the country for him to step down. Many within his party are increasingly doubtful that Trudeau can overcome the rising popularity of Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has gained significant traction by focusing on issues like housing affordability and simple promises of change.
Adding to the pressure, Trudeau faces concerns about Canada’s economic future, particularly in light of incoming U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to impose a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods. This possibility has escalated the political instability in Canada, further undermining Trudeau’s leadership.
In December, Chrystia Freeland, Canada’s Finance Minister, resigned from Trudeau’s cabinet, citing concerns that the Prime Minister was not doing enough to address the threat posed by Trump’s economic policies. Freeland described the situation as a “grave challenge” and warned of the risks to Canada’s economy under a more nationalist U.S. administration.
As the political landscape in Canada shifts, many Liberal MPs are positioning themselves for the possibility of replacing Trudeau, though any successor’s tenure may be short-lived if a general election is called. The current favorite to lead the next government is Poilievre, whose right-wing populist stance could lead to stronger ties with the incoming Trump administration, signaling a potential shift in Canada’s political direction.
