Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a leadership crisis after Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced her resignation from cabinet, citing a lack of confidence in the prime minister’s leadership. Freeland’s departure has sparked a political firestorm, with leaders from the Conservative party and the Bloc Quebecois demanding an election, and the NDP’s leader calling on Trudeau to resign.
Several Liberal MPs have also come out in support of Freeland’s decision, including Anthony Housefather, who said Trudeau has “passed his shelf life” as leader and that the party needs a new vision and leader to be viable in the next election. Helena Jaczek, another Liberal MP, said her constituents would support the party if Trudeau were not at the helm.
Trudeau has not commented publicly on Freeland’s resignation, but sources suggest he is considering prorogation or resignation. Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland has been named as her replacement as finance minister, and a swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 4 pm EST today.
The opposition parties are seizing on the crisis to attack the Liberal government, with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre saying that “everything has gotten out of control” under Trudeau’s leadership. The NDP’s leader, Jagmeet Singh, has also called on Trudeau to resign, saying that the government is “obsessed with infighting” and ignoring the urgent challenges facing everyday Canadians.
Premiers from across the country have also weighed in, with Ontario Premier Doug Ford saying that the situation presents an opportunity for unity among provincial leaders during uncertain economic times.