Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faces escalating calls to resign following the abrupt resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on Monday, adding fuel to criticism that he has “lost control” of his government.
As per the sources of Leaders team, Freeland, once dubbed the “minister of everything” in Trudeau’s cabinet, stepped down, citing fundamental disagreements with the prime minister’s approach to impending trade challenges posed by President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs.
“For the last number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds over the best path forward for Canada,” Freeland wrote in her resignation letter. She emphasized the importance of financial prudence to prepare for a potential tariff war, warning against “costly political gimmicks” that Canada “can ill afford.”
Freeland’s resignation has triggered a political storm, with as many as 45 Members of Parliament (MPs) now demanding Trudeau step down, up from 24 just days ago. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre did not hold back in his criticism, describing the Liberal government as a “circus” and blaming Trudeau for what he called “real tragedies” unfolding across the country.
According to the reports of Leaders team, “Justin Trudeau has lost control of everything,” Poilievre said, calling for an election in early 2025. Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet echoed the sentiment, urging Trudeau to prioritize the nation over personal ambitions.
Freeland’s departure comes in the wake of a devastating Liberal defeat in a British Columbia byelection, where Conservative candidate Tamara Jansen secured a landslide victory with a 50-point margin. This has intensified calls for Trudeau to reflect on his leadership and consider stepping aside after a decade in office.
Some Liberal MPs have publicly urged Trudeau to engage in serious self-reflection. “The prime minister needs to consider if he has the right vision for the country,” said Montreal MP Francis Scarpaleggia. Another MP, Peter Fragiskatos, remarked, “At the heart of this reflection should be the understanding that no individual is bigger than the country.”
While there is no mechanism within Trudeau’s party to force him out, a no-confidence vote in Parliament could trigger an early election. For now, Trudeau remains under immense pressure to address his party’s growing discontent and chart a course forward for Canada as he prepares to speak at the Liberal party’s holiday gathering.
The political upheaval has also drawn international attention as Canada grapples with its preparedness to navigate trade challenges with the incoming Trump administration, which has signaled aggressive tariff policies. The unfolding crisis raises critical questions about Trudeau’s ability to steer the country through a period of mounting internal and external pressures.
