Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing mounting pressure to resign following the unexpected resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Freeland’s departure, reportedly prompted by disagreements over handling US President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats, has sent shockwaves through Trudeau’s Liberal government. Sources from CTV News suggest that Trudeau is contemplating either stepping down or proroguing Parliament, effectively ending the current parliamentary session.

Freeland, a prominent figure in Trudeau’s administration since 2015, announced her resignation through a letter also shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In her statement, Freeland revealed that Trudeau had asked her to vacate her finance minister role and proposed a different position within the Cabinet. However, she felt her “only honest and viable path” was to exit the government altogether.

Emergency Caucus Meeting Highlights Discontent

Freeland’s resignation has intensified calls for Trudeau’s departure, both from within his own party and the opposition. Liberal lawmakers held an emergency caucus meeting on Monday, with Trudeau in attendance, to address the fallout. Liberal MP Chad Collins expressed dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister’s leadership, saying, “There’s still a number of our members that want a change in leadership. I’m one of them. 

Adding to the pressure, Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, criticized Trudeau and his government, accusing them of internal strife rather than focusing on the needs of Canadians. 

Rising Challenges for Trudeau

Trudeau’s political trajectory, once buoyed by the star power of his father, late Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, is now fraught with challenges. His 2015 victory marked a return to liberal governance after nearly a decade under the Conservative Party, but public sentiment has shifted. Canadians are increasingly frustrated by the rising cost of living, immigration concerns, and post-pandemic recovery struggles.

In October, 24 Liberal MPs, led by Collins, signed a letter urging Trudeau to resign and initiate a formal leadership transition. This internal dissent, combined with opposition criticism, has raised significant doubts about Trudeau’s future in politics.

As Freeland’s resignation leaves a noticeable gap in his Cabinet, Trudeau faces a critical decision: whether to fight to rebuild his leadership or step aside to allow the Liberal Party to regain footing under new leadership.