TORONTO — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is not expected to make any announcements regarding his political future during the Christmas holidays, according to a source familiar with the situation. The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, indicated that Trudeau will be in British Columbia with his family from December 26 to January 2.
Concerns about Trudeau’s leadership have escalated following the unexpected resignation of Chrystia Freeland, the Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister. Many Liberal Party lawmakers are increasingly urging Trudeau to step aside out of fear that the party could face a significant defeat in the upcoming elections.
As of now, it remains uncertain whether Trudeau will lead the Liberal Party into the next election. The Parliament is currently adjourned until late next month, but the New Democratic Party (NDP) announced that it intends to support a no-confidence motion when lawmakers reconvene on January 27.
Upon returning from his holiday, Trudeau may consider suspending Parliament for several months while discussions about party leadership take place. Without a majority, the Liberal government has relied on the NDP for support to pass legislation. However, with the NDP leader, Jagmeet Singh, recently signaling a willingness to back a change in government, this support seems to be waning.
Having served as Prime Minister for nearly a decade, Trudeau’s popularity has declined in recent years due to multiple challenges, including rising living costs and inflation. There is no immediate mechanism within his party to force him out. He could choose to withdraw when a new Liberal leader is chosen or possibly face a no-confidence vote that could lead to an election, which might benefit the Conservative Party.
The political climate in Canada is tumultuous, especially with the incoming U.S. president, Donald Trump, threatening to impose significant tariffs on Canadian goods if Canada does not take action against what he describes as a flow of migrants and drugs into the U.S. Trudeau has not commented on his future since Freeland’s resignation but has indicated that his government is preparing for Trump’s inauguration on January 20. He is also scheduled to attend a Cabinet Committee meeting on Canada-U.S. relations.
