The Atlantic Liberal caucus sent a letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Dec. 23, calling for his resignation as party leader due to concerns about the future of the government. The letter, shared publicly by New Brunswick MP Wayne Long, emphasized the need for new leadership with a new vision to prevent a Pierre Poilievre government. The caucus expressed worry about the country’s instability amid U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats and signals from opposition parties planning to declare non-confidence in Trudeau’s government.
The letter thanked Trudeau for his nine years of service as prime minister and acknowledged his positive and consequential legacy. However, it cautioned that this legacy could be undone if Trudeau continues to lead the party. The timing of the letter is notable, as it comes shortly after Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from Trudeau’s cabinet as finance minister and deputy prime minister. The caucus expressed deep personal affection for Trudeau but stressed the urgent need for leadership change to prevent potential setbacks under a Poilievre-led government.
The letter concluded with a request for a national caucus meeting in early January to discuss the Liberal MPs’ next steps. Trudeau is reported to be contemplating his future during the holiday break. Conservative MP John Williamson plans to introduce a non-confidence motion at the next public accounts committee meeting on Jan. 7, with a potential House of Commons vote on Jan. 30 if the motion is successful. The Conservatives had previously brought forward three non-confidence motions during the fall sitting of the House of Commons, which the Liberals survived with NDP support.
Despite surviving the previous non-confidence motions, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has announced that his party has lost confidence in the government and will bring forward a non-confidence motion in the new year, regardless of the Liberal leader. This adds to the mounting pressure on Trudeau to step down as party leader. The Liberal MPs are calling for a change in leadership to help secure their chances in the next election and prevent a Pierre Poilievre-led government. The letter from the Atlantic Liberal caucus highlights the internal concerns within the party regarding Trudeau’s leadership and the need for a new direction for the country.
