New Delhi/Chandigarh, 24 October, 2024: Calls for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation from within his Liberal party intensified as MPs convened behind closed doors on Parliament Hill, according to CBC News.
The meeting, part of the weekly caucus gatherings during House of Commons sessions, saw growing discontent as MPs directly voiced grievances to Trudeau.
Dissident Liberal MPs reportedly delivered an ultimatum for Trudeau to step down by October 28, though no specific consequences were outlined if he fails to meet the deadline. British Columbia MP Patrick Weiler presented a document advocating for Trudeau’s resignation, drawing parallels to the resurgence of the U.S. Democratic Party after President Joe Biden chose not to seek re-election. Weiler’s argument suggested that a leadership change could rejuvenate the Liberals ahead of the next federal election.
During the three-hour meeting, MPs were each given two minutes to address the room. According to sources cited by Radio-Canada, 24 MPs signed an agreement urging Trudeau to resign, and about 20 MPs — none of whom were cabinet ministers — stood to call for his exit before the next election. However, other MPs expressed continued support for Trudeau, CBC News reported.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged the frustrations within the party, adding, “This 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 internal tensions coincide with escalating diplomatic conflict between Canada and India. Relations soured after Trudeau accused India last year in Parliament of involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, claims India has vehemently denied as “absurd” and “motivated.”
Canada recently intensified the row by naming India’s High Commissioner and other diplomats as “persons of interest” in the Nijjar investigation.
