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Political fallout: PM Trudeau yet to address calls to step down

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Stock image: CHCH).
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It was a chaotic day in parliament Monday with the sudden resignation of Deputy PM and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland mere hours before the scheduled fall economic update.

According to Freeland, Prime Minister Trudeau told her Friday he no longer wanted her to serve as finance minister. Rather than accept a job change, Freeland stepped down, but not without a bang.

In a letter to Trudeau, which was posted on ‘X’ shorty after 9 a.m., Freeland spoke of them being “at odds about the best path forward for Canada” and denounced his “costly political gimmicks”.

By the end of the tumultuous day a new finance minister was in place, and Trudeau was facing calls from Canadian politicians and members of his own Liberal Party to call an election — or quit.

READ MORE: Dominic LeBlanc becomes finance minister after Freeland resigns

The PM has not yet addressed the renewed calls to step down, yet sources say he will take time to reflect on the concerns raised.

Trudeau remained tight-lipped to reporters when leaving a special caucus meeting, one in which Chrystia Freeland received a standing ovation.

At a Liberal party fundraiser in Quebec Monday evening the PM said it’s been the “absolute privilege of [his] life” to serve as the country’s prime minister.

Without directly referring to Freeland’s departure, the PM admitted to the supporters and donors present: “It’s obviously been an eventful day. It has not been an easy day.”

Liberal MPs met Monday night before these remarks, and many would not say whether the PM should remain party leader or if he has their support.

However, a reported seven Liberal MPs, including a former cabinet minister, publicly said that Trudeau should resign.

In early October over twenty MPs signed a document requesting him to step down.

Trudeau was in attendance when Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc was sworn in as the country’s new finance minister, replacing Freeland.

Leblanc says affordability and the threat of tariffs from the United States will be his priorities. He will temporarily retain his public safety and intergovernmental affairs roles during the transition.

He will also lead the Cabinet Committee on Canada-U.S. Relations, formerly Freeland’s role.

READ MORE: Capital chaos delays Fall Economic Statement

This all comes as the federal parliament prepares to take a break before the Christmas holidays. It will resume on Jan. 27, after Trump’s inauguration and the possible introduction of trade tariffs.

According to the PM’s itinerary, Trudeau is set to make remarks at the national caucus holiday party in Ottawa this evening.

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