Justin Trudeau’s own party pressuring Canadian PM to step down, sets deadline: Report | World News – Times of India

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing one of the most serious political challenges of his nine-year tenure as unhappy members of his Liberal Party expressed their frustrations during a closed-door meeting on Wednesday.
According to reports, up to 24 lawmakers signed a letter urging Trudeau to resign by October 28, citing dissatisfaction with his leadership and the party’s poor polling results.While Trudeau is in no immediate danger of being ousted, the meeting marked a significant moment in his leadership as several MPs demanded change ahead of the next election, which must take place by October 2025.
However, after the three-hour session, Trudeau emerged with a smile, saying that the “Liberal Party is strong and united,” and reaffirming his intention to lead the party into the next election. However, this optimism was not shared by all in the room.
“What was happening there … is really about MPs telling the prime minister the truth, whether he likes to hear it or not,” said immigration ,minister Marc Miller, a close Trudeau ally.

Calls for resignation grow after election losses
The push for Trudeau to step down gained momentum after the Liberals lost two of their safest parliamentary seats in recent byelections in June and September. Many MPs are concerned about the lack of preparation for the next election, especially as polling data shows the Liberals trailing the Conservatives. A recent Nanos Research poll from October 15 placed the Conservatives at 39%, the Liberals at 23%, and the New Democrats at 21%—a result that would hand the Conservatives a comfortable majority if replicated in a general election.
Backbench MP John McKay described the meeting as a “candid conversation,” while fellow Liberal Nathaniel Erskine-Smith urged Trudeau to “listen to the feedback” and present a plan to address the growing concerns within the party.

No mechanism to oust Trudeau, but pressure mounts
Unlike countries like Australia, where party leaders can be removed by a vote from legislators, Canada’s system does not provide a mechanism for MPs to force Trudeau out. Party leaders are chosen by members at a special convention. Nonetheless, the pressure on Trudeau is mounting as MPs openly discuss their concerns.

“It’s very important that when you have so many colleagues expressing frustration … that feedback is listened to,” said Erskine-Smith, acknowledging that Trudeau still has time to turn things around.
Several MPs have indicated they will not run in the next election if Trudeau remains at the helm, adding to the sense of urgency among his critics.
Opposition leader capitalizes on liberal infighting
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre seized on the internal divisions within the Liberal Party, questioning Trudeau’s ability to govern effectively amid growing discontent.
“The reality is he can’t administer the government because he’s too busy fighting for his job after nine years,” Poilievre said, further amplifying his attacks on the Liberal leader.
Poilievre has dominated national opinion polls for over a year, capitalizing on voter frustration with issues like the housing crisis, rising crime rates, and inflation, which have persisted under Trudeau’s leadership. Many Canadians have grown weary of Trudeau, with Professor Nelson Wiseman from the University of Toronto stating that “Trudeau’s time is up,” noting that Canadian prime ministers historically have a shelf life of about a decade.
“There is a popular appetite for change. Most Canadians have tuned him out,” Wiseman added.
What’s next for Trudeau?
As Trudeau faces mounting pressure from within his party, the next few days will be critical. Liberal MP Wayne Long, one of the first to call for Trudeau’s resignation earlier this year, reiterated his position, saying, “I think he still needs to step down.”
MP Sean Casey also expressed the need for Trudeau to make a decision soon, stating that “a sense of finality” would become apparent in the weeks ahead.
Despite the internal turmoil, the prime minister has vowed to stay the course, but whether he can turn the party’s fortunes around remains to be seen.
(With inputs from agencies)