Calls for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's resignation as leader of the Liberal Party intensified during a private meeting on Wednesday, according to a report by CBC News. The gathering of Liberal MPs on Parliament Hill was part of their regular caucus sessions, where frustrations within the party were openly shared.
During the closed-door meeting, dissenting MPs voiced their dissatisfaction directly to Trudeau, reflecting increasing unrest within the party. Some MPs urged the prime minister to step down, with a document being presented that made the case for his resignation, though it did not specify consequences if he chose not to comply. Trudeau has been given until October 28 to make a decision on his future.
According to sources cited by CBC, 24 MPs signed a letter requesting Trudeau to step down as Liberal leader. British Columbia MP Patrick Weiler reportedly presented the document, suggesting that Trudeau’s resignation could pave the way for a party revival similar to the Democrats' experience after US President Joe Biden opted not to run for re-election.
Throughout the three-hour meeting, MPs were each given two minutes to speak. Around 20 MPs, none of whom were cabinet ministers, stood up to call for Trudeau to step aside before the next federal election. However, other MPs expressed their support for the prime minister.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged the frustrations expressed during the meeting, noting that it was important for members to voice their concerns directly. He downplayed the situation, stating, "This isn't a code red situation. The prime minister can sure as hell handle the truth."
The growing discontent within the Liberal Party comes at a time of heightened diplomatic tension between Canada and India. Relations soured after Trudeau made public allegations last year in the Canadian Parliament, accusing India of involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. India denied the accusations, calling them "absurd" and "motivated."
The diplomatic spat worsened when Canada declared India's High Commissioner and other diplomats as "persons of interest" in the investigation into Nijjar's death, further straining the ties between the two nations.