Pressure is mounting on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as a growing faction of anxious Liberal MPs is coordinating efforts to compel him to resign as leader of the Liberal Party. Following significant electoral losses in both the Toronto-St. Paul’s and Montreal by-elections, dissatisfaction with Trudeau’s leadership has intensified, prompting discussions among disgruntled MPs about a potential leadership change, according to a report by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).
Discontent among party members has manifested in a series of clandestine meetings where MPs are being asked to sign a document pledging their commitment to seek a leadership change, said the report citing high-level sources and MPs involved in the effort.
The initiative aims to solidify support for ousting Trudeau, with at least 20 MPs reportedly signing the document thus far. The urgency of these discussions has escalated, especially during Trudeau’s absence from Parliament while attending an international summit in Laos.
Frustration within the caucus has been palpable, particularly regarding unanswered questions about key appointments, such as the replacement for Jeremy Broadhurst, the recently resigned campaign director.
With an election looming in this minority government context, many MPs feel compelled to act decisively to reverse the party’s declining fortunes.
Trudeau’s leadership is further jeopardised by internal party tensions and poor polling numbers that show the Liberals trailing significantly behind the Conservatives. The CBC’s Poll Tracker suggests the Liberals are trailing the Conservatives by some 20 percentage points.
Exit of Jagmeet Singh’s NDP
The New Democratic Party’s recent withdrawal from a supply-and-confidence agreement has further left Trudeau’s minority government vulnerable, increasing calls for his resignation from within his own ranks.
The NDP in Canada has been linked to the Khalistani movement primarily through its leader, Jagmeet Singh, who has openly supported Khalistani politics.
This connection has become a focal point in discussions about the NDP’s influence on PM Trudeau’s government
Canada’s ties with India have suffered under Trudeau
Tensions between Canada and India have escalated significantly under the tenure of Canadian PM Justin Trudeau, specially after he made allegations linking the Indian government to the assassination of pro-Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
Trudeau’s assertion that there are credible allegations of Indian involvement has not only strained diplomatic relations but also intensified concerns over rising Khalistani sentiments and anti-India activities within Canada.
The Indian government has categorically denied the assassination allegations, labeling them as “absurd” and asserting that they are based on “political motivations” rather than facts.