In a significant political upheaval, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing increasing pressure from within his own Liberal Party to step down from his leadership role. Reports from CBC News indicate that several Members of Parliament (MPs) have set a deadline of October 28 for Trudeau to resign, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with his leadership.
The demand for Trudeau’s resignation surfaced during a closed-door caucus meeting held on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. The MPs gathered for their regular weekly meeting, a session that is customary when the House of Commons is in session. In attendance, Trudeau was presented with a document outlining the reasons for their call for his departure.
British Columbia MP Patrick Weiler, who played a pivotal role in presenting the resignation document, suggested that the Liberal Party might experience a revival of public support if Trudeau were to step down. He likened the potential resurgence to the Democratic Party in the United States, which saw a boost in public favor after President Joe Biden withdrew from the presidential race ahead of the elections.
While the dissenting MPs expressed their grievances, it remains unclear what consequences, if any, they would impose should Trudeau decline to resign by the specified deadline. Some party members defended the Prime Minister, emphasizing that while the concerns raised are valid, the situation does not warrant a drastic action like resignation. One MP noted, “Fundamentally, this is something that has been simmering for some time and it’s important for people to get it out. This isn’t a code red situation. The prime minister can sure as hell handle the truth.”
The turmoil within the Liberal Party coincides with a significant deterioration in India-Canada relations. Tensions escalated when Trudeau alleged in Parliament that Indian agents were involved in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil. India vehemently rejected these accusations, demanding credible evidence that Canada has yet to provide.
In the wake of these allegations, India has taken diplomatic action, withdrawing its diplomats and expelling six Canadian diplomats from the country. New Delhi has strongly protested against the recent accusations, further straining ties between the two nations that were once robust.
As the October 28 deadline approaches, Trudeau’s future as Liberal leader hangs in the balance, with both internal dissent and external diplomatic challenges converging on his leadership. The outcome of this situation could reshape the political landscape in Canada, as party members weigh the implications of their actions in light of the country’s evolving relations with India.