Will Trudeau step down?
Members of the media may directly contact:
Robert Falcon Ouellette (English & French)
Associate Professor, Faculty of Education
As a former Liberal MP, Professor Ouellette can comment on the Liberal Party of Canada caucus meeting and the party's upcoming prospects.
Charles-Étienne Beaudry (English & French)
Lecturer, Political Studies, Faculty of Social Sciences
Professor Beaudry can explain the request by some 30 liberal MPs for Trudeau to resign.
“Approximately 30 Liberal MPs have signed a letter urging Justin Trudeau to resign as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, which would end his tenure as Prime Minister but not necessarily trigger an election. The MPs are concerned about Trudeau's declining poll numbers, as the Conservative Party, led by Pierre Poilievre, holds a 20-point lead. The fear of losing long-held seats is growing among Liberals. Trudeau aims to withstand this internal pressure, asserting he is best positioned to counter Poilievre's rhetoric. Potential outcomes include Trudeau stepping down, which would prompt a leadership race, or the possibility of a confidence vote leading to an election if the NDP and Bloc Québécois side with the Conservatives. Trudeau's strategy is to pacify dissenters and maintain NDP and Bloc Québécois support until the government's mandate concludes in Fall 2025. Should Trudeau resign, a leadership race among prominent Liberals like Mélanie Joly, Chrystia Freeland, Ahmed Hussen, Bill Blair, or even non-MPs such as Mark Carney, would ensue. The last similar transition occurred when Jean Chrétien resigned, and Paul Martin became Prime Minister in 2003-2004.”
Ivan Ivanov (English & French)
Associate Professor, Department of Communication, Faculty of Arts