Trade Minister Mary Ng expressed disappointment at media reports of an internal revolt against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau within the Liberal caucus. Reports suggested a growing number of Liberal MPs were pressuring Trudeau to step down due to fears over his dwindling popularity, especially after a byelection loss in a Montreal stronghold. Despite these reports, Ng reiterated her confidence in Trudeau’s leadership while speaking to reporters in Hawaii, where she was on her way back from Laos with the Prime Minister.
Ng acknowledged that there have been robust conversations within the caucus and emphasized the importance of having a range of perspectives. One MP confirmed that the number of MPs involved in the revolt is significant and that this time, the rumors of a revolt are real. The revolt reportedly began while Trudeau was attending the ASEAN summit in Laos. While some Liberals have not been approached to join the efforts to remove Trudeau, the bid to oust him is being kept away from cabinet ministers who are seen as loyal to the Prime Minister.
Despite facing pressure from within the party, Trudeau has so far maintained his hold on the Liberal Party, surviving two confidence votes since mid-September. The Bloc Québécois has given the Liberals until the end of October to meet certain demands, such as expanding the old age security pension and protecting supply management in international trade talks. The Liberal party has seen a decline in the polls and lost two strongholds in Toronto and Montreal byelections, leading to increased noise around Trudeau’s leadership within the party.
In late June, after the loss of a seat to the Conservatives in a byelection, there was an attempt to push Trudeau out, but it did not receive widespread support. The speculation quieted down over the summer, only to resurface in September after the NDP pulled out of a supply and confidence deal, the national campaign director resigned, and the party lost another critical byelection in Montreal to the Bloc Québécois. Despite these challenges, Trudeau has remained steadfast in his position as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party.
In conclusion, Trade Minister Mary Ng has expressed confidence in Justin Trudeau’s leadership despite reports of an internal revolt within the Liberal caucus. The growing number of MPs pressuring Trudeau to step down reflects concerns over his dwindling popularity, especially after recent byelection losses. While there have been robust conversations within the caucus, the bid to remove Trudeau is being kept away from cabinet ministers who are seen as loyal to the Prime Minister. Despite facing challenges and a decline in the polls, Trudeau has so far maintained his hold on the Liberal Party and continues to lead the government as Prime Minister.
