Toronto, Dec 17 (IANS): Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is under increasing pressure to resign following the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. The political crisis escalated as a third of the Liberal Party's MPs demanded a change in leadership, signaling deepening dissent within the government.
Trudeau, facing mounting challenges, has not yet made a decision on whether to step down. Reports indicate that nearly 60 of the 153 Liberal MPs in the House of Commons have openly called for his ouster, posing a significant threat to his leadership.
Freeland's resignation marked a critical turning point, as she cited disagreements with Trudeau over handling US President-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats. Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian imports have sparked fears of a looming trade war between the two countries.
In her resignation letter shared on X (formerly Twitter), Freeland expressed concern about Canada’s economic direction, emphasizing the need for a more cautious fiscal approach. “For the past number of weeks, you and I have found ourselves at odds about the best path forward for Canada, ” she wrote.
Freeland, who was first elected to Parliament in 2013 and held key roles in trade and foreign affairs, has been instrumental in leading Canada's negotiations with the EU and United States. Her resignation underlines growing discontent within Trudeau’s cabinet and weakens his hold on power.
The crisis comes as Trudeau’s popularity plummets, with polls showing him trailing 20 points behind Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Poilievre has launched multiple attempts since September to force a snap election and capitalize on Trudeau’s weakening position.
Canada’s economy remains heavily tied to the United States, its largest trading partner, with 75% of Canadian exports going south. Freeland warned that mishandling Trump’s tariffs could escalate tensions and further strain Canada’s economy.
As Trudeau struggles to contain the rebellion within his party, calls for a leadership change grow louder. The outcome of this crisis will not only shape Trudeau’s political future but also influence Canada’s response to US-Canada trade tensions and the broader economic fallout.