A former top adviser to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has given a grim outlook on the leader’s political future. Gerry Butts, who served as Trudeau’s principal secretary when he won election in 2015, wrote in a Substack newsletter that Freeland’s resignation was a big blow for the party and could mean that Trudeau’s political fate is sealed.
Butts stated that if Trudeau’s resignation is imminent, the only way forward is a real leadership race. He also compared the situation to a hockey game, saying that people will have a more seasoned view of the party’s leadership if they see them in action.
The comments come days after US President-elect Donald Trump floated NHL legend Wayne Gretzky as a possible replacement for Trudeau. Trump wrote on Truth Social that he had spoken to Gretzky and that he would win easily if he ran for Prime Minister.
Trudeau has faced calls to resign since Freeland’s departure, and Trump also weighed in on the situation, calling Freeland’s behavior “totally toxic” and saying that she will not be missed. The House of Commons Public Accounts Committee chair has announced that lawmakers will start meetings on January 7 to consider a vote of no confidence in the Liberal government.
The vote would have to pass the House of Commons to defeat the government, and the Canadian Parliament will reconvene on January 27. The Conservative, Bloc Quebecois, and NDP members have all announced that they will vote non-confidence in the Liberal Government, representing a majority of MPs.