Canada Political Crisis: Early Elections A Possibility As MPs Demand Trudeau's Resignation

Cracks in the Trudeau government are now more evident than ever, especially after the resignation of his Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. Freeland, who also serves as the finance minister, turned in her resignation on Monday, citing that she no longer posses the "confidence and authority that comes with being a Minister in the Trudeau cabinet".

Freeland's resignation has added more pressure on Trudeau to step down as the leader of the Liberal Party and the Prime Minister of Canada.

The former finance minister was once seen as Trudeau's most capable and prominent minister. However, with her resignation, Trudeau continues to face critique from his own cabinet and party.

Freeland's resignation comes hours before she was scheduled to present the fall fiscal and economic update. Citing lack of action from Justin Trudeau regarding US President-elect Donald Trump's warning of 25 percent tariffs, the Deputy PM announced her departure from the cabinet.

READ | Justin Trudeau Hits Back After Trump's Tariff Warning And 'Governor Of Canada' Jibe

Pressure To Resign Mounts On Trudeau

Since the escalation of the diplomatic row with India, several Liberal MPs have called on the Canadian prime minister to step down.

Apart from several voices within the Liberal Party, the opposition of Conservatives and their leader Pierre Poilievre have also demanded Trudeau step down from his post, especially after the diplomatic row with India escalated, prompting in tit-for-tat explusion of senior diplomats.

Freeland's resignation has exposed the growing cracks within the Liberal party as dissatisfaction with Trudeau's leadership grows.

As per The Globe and Mail, at least eight Liberal MPs, including Ontario MPs Helena Jaczek, Francis Drouin and Chad Collins, have publicly called on PM Trudeau to step down from his post.

Amid the mounting pressure, Trudeau has refused to step down and vowed to "Reflect" in the situation and concerns raised by his Liberal party members.

Canada Headed For Early Elections?

Canada is all set for its presidential vote in October 2025. However, as pressure mounts of Justin Trudeau and a sharp plunge in his approval rating, Ottawa may have to call early elections.

If an early vote does take place, the elections are expected to take place as early as February. However, if Trudeau manages to hold his office, the federal elections will be held as scheduled around October 20, 2025.