One of the most significant tests of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s political career came on Wednesday when several members of his own Liberal Party advised him not to seek a fourth term.
After a three-hour meeting with Liberal members of Parliament, Trudeau grinned and declared that the Liberals are “strong and united.” Three Liberals claimed to have signed a letter urging Trudeau to resign before the next election, joining more than 20 other party lawmakers in doing so. The House of Commons in Canada has 153 Liberal members.
“He has to start listening, listening to the people,” said Ken McDonald, a Liberal Member of Parliament from Newfoundland who said he signed the letter, which has not been made public.
McDonald, who is not running again, said some of his colleagues who plan on running are nervous because of poor polling numbers. Also stating publicly that they had signed the letter were Wayne Long of New Brunswick and Sean Casey of Prince Edward Island.
Trudeau, who previously has said he plans to run again, didn’t take questions from reporters after the meeting. No Canadian prime minister has won four straight terms in over 100 years.
His Cabinet ministers have supported him publicly.
“There is what would you call some palace drama going on right now. And that takes us away from the number one job, which is focusing on Canadians,” said Employment Minister Randy Boissonnault, a Liberal Party member.
Not all Liberal members of Parliament came out in support of Trudeau.
“It’s the decision of the leader of the party as to whether he stays on as leader,” said Ontario Liberal lawmaker Yvan Baker said.
Charles Sousa, a Liberal member of Parliament for a suburban Toronto area, said Trudeau is reflecting. He said he didn’t sign the letter.
“Trudeau made it very clear that he feels he’s the right choice but he appreciates all of what is being said,” Sousa said. “I respect his decision, whatever that may be.”
Trudeau’s Liberals recently suffered upsets in special elections in two districts in Toronto and Montreal that the party has held for years, raising doubts about Trudeau’s leadership.
Get the latest news updates and stay informed with FELA NEWS!
Source: News18
