For the first time since the Liberals’ surprise defeat to the Conservatives in the Toronto–St. Paul’s byelection, Justin Trudeau agreed to speak publicly about his political future on Monday, on the sidelines of Canada Day celebrations.
As discontent mounts within the Liberal caucus and Mr. Trudeau’s leadership is increasingly contested, the Prime Minister told Radio-Canada that he intended to remain leader of his party.
Yes, absolutely.
he answered bluntly in an interview, while he was passing through Saint-Jean de Terre-Neuve.
We are facing difficult times, and that is why we must redouble our efforts to be there for Canadians, he continued. Whether it is for dental care, for pharmacare, for early childhood daycare, for investing in the armed forces, for building a greener, more prosperous economy… There is a lot of work to do, a lot of opportunities, and we will be there for that.
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in an interview with Radio-Canada during his visit to St. John’s, Newfoundland.
Photo : Radio-Canada
Don Stewart’s surprise victory over Leslie Church last week in the federal riding of Toronto–St. Paul’s, a Liberal stronghold for more than 30 years, has sparked strong reactions within the PLC and has seriously shaken Mr. Trudeau’s leadership.
Faced with calls for his resignation from within his own ranks, the Liberal leader wanted to put things into perspective.
There is always a lot to reflect on after a tough loss, but there is still so much to do.
Mr. Trudeau insisted Monday, in an interview with CBC News.
A divided caucus
MP Wayne Long, from Saint John-Rothesay, New Brunswick, was the first member of the Liberal caucus to openly call for Justin Trudeau to step down on Friday.
For the future of our party and for the good of our country, we need new leadership and new direction.
Mr. Long wrote to the entire federal Liberal delegation in an email obtained by CBC News.
Voters have expressed loud and clear their desire for change. I agree.
Former Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, who served in Trudeau’s cabinet from 2015 to 2021, joined Mr. Long’s voice.
The Prime Minister can be proud of his legacy, but it is time for new ideas, new energy and a new leader. Too much will be at stake in the next election, particularly on the economy and the environment.
she wrote in an email to the media.
For his part, Ken McDonald, a Newfoundland and Labrador MP, believes the decision to leave or stay is up to Justin Trudeau. He nevertheless stressed the need for an urgent, in-person caucus meeting with the prime minister.
The Liberal Party remains divided on what to do next. Many believe that Mr. Trudeau is still their best weapon to defeat Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives in the next federal election.
With information from Racy Rafique and Philip Ling, CBC News
