Liberal MP Urges Justin Trudeau to Resign as Pressure Mounts from Fellow MPs

Photo : Reuters

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership is facing increasing scrutiny as growing numbers of Liberal MPs quietly discuss their frustrations and strategize about how to move forward without him. This internal pressure is mounting, as some members of his own party feel the time has come for him to step down.

One of the most prominent voices in this growing movement is long-time Liberal MP Sean Casey, who has publicly criticized Trudeau in a candid interview. Casey did not mince words about the dissatisfaction he has heard from voters in his own riding of Charlottetown. "The message that I've been getting loud and clear—and more and more strongly as time goes by—is that it is time for [Trudeau] to go. And I agree," Casey said bluntly. He went on to explain that many of his constituents had “tuned Trudeau out,” expressing frustration and fatigue with the Prime Minister’s leadership. "People have had enough... they want him to go," he added.

While acknowledging the accomplishments of Trudeau's nearly decade-long tenure, calling it "truly transformational," Casey noted that voters are no longer responsive to the Prime Minister’s message. He shared that he had already conveyed this sentiment directly to Trudeau in a private phone call back in July, making it clear that the dissatisfaction was widespread.

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Casey’s public statement is significant, as it marks the first time an MP has openly called for Trudeau to step aside before the next election. While Casey himself hadn’t attended recent closed-door meetings aimed at addressing Trudeau’s leadership, he confirmed that he was aware of these gatherings. These meetings have reportedly taken place among anxious Liberal MPs since the party's loss in the Toronto-St Paul’s byelection in June, which many see as a wake-up call for the Liberals. The byelection loss is thought to have spurred a series of meetings on Parliament Hill where MPs discussed Trudeau’s future as leader and the best path forward for the party.

Adding further weight to the pressure on Trudeau is a document that has been circulating among Liberal MPs. According to insiders, at least 20 MPs have signed the document, which is being described as a pledge of solidarity calling for a leadership change. This document, however, is not intended for public circulation but serves as an “insurance policy” to demonstrate the MPs' commitment to addressing the party’s growing concerns about Trudeau’s leadership. Sources say that more MPs are voicing their support for the effort to encourage Trudeau to step down, and while this movement is happening behind closed doors, the fact that it is gaining traction is noteworthy.

Casey, while not directly involved in the pledge, said his knowledge of it is second-hand, but he acknowledged the “high level of anxiety” within the Liberal caucus regarding Trudeau’s continued leadership. He also noted that those sharing his concerns about the direction of the party seem to be “becoming more emboldened” as time passes.

While Casey is the first MP to make such a public call for Trudeau to step down, he's not the only one who has voiced similar concerns. New Brunswick MP Wayne Long sent an email to the Liberal caucus in June, urging party members to reflect on the future and putting additional pressure on Trudeau’s leadership.

Despite the growing number of MPs willing to speak out, some Liberal leaders have expressed reluctance to run in the next federal election if Trudeau remains at the helm. Casey, however, remains committed to the fight, regardless of who leads the party. He made it clear that his priority is preventing Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre from becoming prime minister, stating, "I have an obligation to the people of Charlottetown to keep Pierre Poilievre out of the prime minister's chair in any way, shape, or form." 

Casey expressed that he is prepared for a tough political battle ahead but believes it's one worth fighting. "I'm gearing for the fight. It's a fight worth fighting regardless of whether or not we have Justin Trudeau leading the party,” he said. 

With these mounting pressures and the increasing number of MPs questioning Trudeau’s leadership, the Prime Minister now faces a critical moment in his career. Whether Trudeau will heed these calls or push back against the growing dissent remains to be seen, but it is clear that the future of his leadership is under intense scrutiny from within his own party.