Why Justin Trudeau Is Under Pressure To Resign As Liberal Party Leader | Exclusive

Last Updated:January 06, 2025, 14:54 IST

According to analysts, Trudeau is under pressure over the the loss of by-elections for the Liberal Party in Montreal and Toronto. Indian government sources say his Khalistani card did not work for him

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been facing dissent within the party. (AP Image)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing trouble within his own party, as a group of dissatisfied Liberal MPs, reportedly around 20, signed a document calling for a change in leadership.

Reports say Trudeau is likely to resign as the leader of The Liberal Party to save himself from the embarrassment at the Liberal Caucus meet on Wednesday. However, he may continue as the interim PM until a new leader or leadership is elected.

According to analysts, the pressure on Trudeau is mounting due to various factors. One reason is the loss of by-elections for the Liberal Party in Montreal and Toronto. They say that the in-house displeasure over the policy decisions went against Trudeau.

The results point to another possible struggle against the Conservatives in the upcoming elections.

Trudeau’s potential resignation has sparked speculation about the future of the Liberal Party and the possibility of an early election. Only 28% of the polls suggest that Trudeau will be re-elected. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc is being considered as a potential interim leader.

STRAIN IN INDIA-CANADA TIES

According to top sources in the Indian government, Trudeau has been unpopular for a considerable period of time.

Trudeau’s allegations of India’s “foreign interference", which although strongly refuted, led to a diplomatic strain between the two countries. India, meanwhile, accused Trudeau of using theatrics to divert attention from his domestic challenges. “No leader in the world spoils a diplomatic relationship with a superpower without any reason. His Khalistani card is not playing well. They are opposing him right now. Instead of handling the economy and managing the new United States (US) administration, he was busy giving shelter to Khalistani terrorists such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and others," sources said.

THE DISSENT WITHIN

Trudeau swept to power in 2015 and led the Liberals to two more ballot box victories in 2019 and 2021. But he now trails his main rival, Conservative Pierre Poilievre, by 20 points in public opinion polls.

Trudeau has suffered a series of blows in recent days, spurred by the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who clashed with her boss over incoming US President Donald Trump’s threats to impose 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports.

Ottawa area MP Chandra Arya told public broadcaster CBC that dozens of Liberal MPs wanted Trudeau to go.

Anthony Housefather, a Liberal member of parliament from the province of Quebec, recently told the CBC that “the prime minister needs to go."

Trudeau’s key ally New Democratic Party’s (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh recently said he would introduce a motion to topple the minority Liberal government.

News world Why Justin Trudeau Is Under Pressure To Resign As Liberal Party Leader | Exclusive