Liberal MP Sean Casey has made a bold public statement, arguing that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should step down for the good of Canada, warning that the current government risks paving the way for a Conservative victory under Pierre Poilievre. Casey, who represents the Charlottetown riding, stated on Monday that his constituents have expressed growing dissatisfaction with Trudeau’s leadership, and he agrees that the time has come for a change at the top.
Speaking to reporters as the House of Commons resumed, Casey said that while Trudeau has led the country for nearly nine years, there is an overwhelming sentiment among voters that the prime minister’s time has come to an end. “Voting is an emotional exercise. It’s not based on logic. If it was based on logic and rational thinking, we’d be 20 points up, not down. But there’s been baggage accumulated. People have tuned him out,” Casey said.
Casey also confirmed that he is one of up to 30 Liberal MPs who have signed an internal document calling for Trudeau to step aside, an issue expected to come up in the next caucus meeting on Wednesday. Although he declined to provide specific details of the document or reveal how many MPs have signed on, Casey noted that many of his colleagues support the idea. “The ones that I have communicated with have all been remarkably supportive,” he said, adding that no one has expressed opposition directly to him.
The call for Trudeau’s resignation follows a string of cabinet ministers announcing they will not seek re-election, adding to the growing internal pressure on the prime minister. Last week, four more cabinet ministers informed Trudeau that they would not run again, further signaling turmoil within the Liberal Party. These announcements are part of a broader trend, with other MPs and ministers stepping down or distancing themselves from leadership in recent months.
Despite this internal discord, several senior Liberal figures remain loyal to Trudeau and continue to back his leadership. Ministers such as Indigenous Services Minister Patty Hajdu, Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier, and Prairies Economic Development Minister Dan Vandal have expressed confidence in Trudeau’s leadership, even as they prepare to leave politics. Vandal, one of the cabinet members not running for re-election, said the internal debate within the party is a healthy part of caucus discussions. “I think everyone has a different perspective, and that’s what a caucus was made for, to have those sorts of discussions,” Vandal commented.
Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault also expressed his support for Trudeau but acknowledged that public fatigue with the Liberal government is understandable after nearly a decade in power. “After almost nine years in power, it is normal that people have discussions about having seen the prime minister a lot and maybe wanting some change,” Guilbeault said. However, he added that when Canadians consider the alternative of Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party, they might reconsider their desire for change. “I think when they start looking at the alternative, which is Pierre Poilievre, I think they’re going to think twice about it.”
Casey, however, believes that Trudeau’s leadership has reached a point where it may hinder the party’s chances in the next election. While he has not coordinated with any potential candidates to replace Trudeau, he said there are several viable alternatives within the Liberal Party who could take over leadership. “In the view of my constituents, almost anyone [would be better],” Casey said, noting that there are a half dozen qualified individuals rumored to be interested in the position.
The question of Trudeau’s future has become a growing concern for the Liberal Party, with more voices within the party suggesting that a leadership change may be necessary to reinvigorate the party’s prospects and avoid a Conservative victory. As the party gears up for the next caucus meeting, where the internal document urging Trudeau to step down will likely be discussed, the pressure is mounting on the prime minister to address the concerns of his MPs.
With growing dissatisfaction from within his own party and multiple resignations from his cabinet, Trudeau faces an uphill battle to maintain unity within the Liberal ranks. As the next federal election looms, the outcome of these internal debates will have significant implications for the future of both the Liberal Party and Canadian politics as a whole.
While Trudeau’s supporters argue that his experience and track record are invaluable, others, like Casey, believe that a fresh face is needed to prevent the Conservatives from capitalizing on the current discontent. For now, all eyes will be on the Liberal caucus as it meets later this week to address the growing calls for change and the future leadership of the party.