Liberal MP Sean Casey became the first to publicly call for Trudeau's resignation, urging that the Prime Minister step aside to allow the party a chance to regroup before the next general election, scheduled for 2025. Casey's bold statement reflects the growing sentiment among Liberal lawmakers that Trudeau's continued leadership may jeopardize the party’s electoral prospects, particularly after setbacks in traditionally strong regions like Montreal and Toronto.
Anthony Housefather, a Montreal-area MP, echoed the need for a serious discussion within the Liberal caucus about Trudeau’s leadership, although he stopped short of directly calling for his resignation. He emphasized the importance of reviewing the party’s direction amid diminishing confidence in Trudeau’s ability to steer the party through both domestic crises and its diplomatic row with India.
Trudeau’s public confrontation with New Delhi, which began following his accusations that the Indian government was involved in the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, has further compounded his challenges. While his stance on India received initial support from various political factions, critics and commentators have suggested that Trudeau’s handling of the situation has been used to divert attention from his growing domestic problems. The accusations against India escalated tensions between the two nations, straining diplomatic relations and sparking broader debates within Trudeau's party.
Adding to the political turmoil is Trudeau's faltering approval rating, which has plummeted to as low as 28-33 percent from its peak of 63 percent during his early tenure. Public dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living and housing crises has significantly eroded Trudeau’s support base, raising doubts among Liberal MPs about the party's viability in the next election. Electoral losses in key ridings, such as Montreal's LaSalle-Émard-Verdun district, where the Liberal candidate narrowly lost to the Bloc Québécois, have intensified these concerns.
Further fueling discontent within the party is the dissolution of the supply-and-confidence agreement with the New Democratic Party (NDP), which had provided Trudeau’s minority government with crucial parliamentary support. The collapse of this agreement leaves Trudeau’s administration in a vulnerable position, increasing the likelihood of a snap election should the internal party conflicts not be resolved swiftly.
While Trudeau has not publicly responded to these calls for his resignation, insiders within the Liberal Party have indicated that his leadership is under significant strain. Key figures within the party are weighing their options as they consider Trudeau’s role in leading them into the next electoral cycle. However, Trudeau’s firm stance on maintaining leadership could lead to further division, potentially weakening the party’s standing against the resurgent opposition led by Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives.