Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau finds himself at a critical crossroads, facing what many are calling one of the most turbulent weeks of his political career.
Despite the growing calls for his resignation, Trudeau has struck a defiant tone, signaling his intent to continue leading the Liberal Party through mounting challenges.
The tension came to a head on Thursday, when Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland—one of Trudeau’s closest allies—unexpectedly resigned just hours before she was set to deliver an economic statement in Parliament. The abrupt departure stunned Ottawa and deepened the political crisis within the ruling Liberals.
Trudeau addressed the Liberal Party’s annual holiday gathering on Thursday evening, projecting resolve despite the chaos. Wearing his signature dark blue suit, he likened the week’s challenges to a “family fight” and spoke of being “audacious” and “ambitious” in the face of adversity.
But his speech also carried campaign undertones, with pointed criticism of opposition leader Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party. “This sounded more like an election rally than a holiday event,” remarked one political commentator.
Trudeau’s determination hasn’t wavered, even after Jagmeet Singh, leader of the progressive New Democrat Party (NDP), announced plans to introduce a motion to topple the Liberal government in the new year. The Liberals’ minority government has relied on NDP support to stay in power, making an election now highly likely.
Trudeau’s defiance reflects a political survival instinct that has defined his nearly decade-long tenure. In 2015, he led the Liberals from third place in Parliament to a majority government, overcoming critics who dismissed him as inexperienced and out of touch.
This resilience is often compared to that of his father, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau, who was known for his charismatic yet combative leadership style. The elder Trudeau’s famous response to a political crisis—“just watch me”—has been echoed in his son’s handling of controversies.
“Justin Trudeau operates with a hyper amount of self-confidence,” said Lawrence Martin, a Canadian political columnist.
Trudeau’s nine years in office have been marked by significant achievements but also numerous scandals. From ethics violations to the release of past photos showing him in brownface, Trudeau has repeatedly faced calls to resign. Yet he has held onto power, becoming the longest-serving leader among his G7 peers.
Now, however, Trudeau faces unprecedented opposition from within his own party. At least 18 Liberal MPs have publicly called for him to step down, with others voicing concerns privately.
“He’s delusional if he thinks we can continue like this,” said New Brunswick MP Wayne Long, a leading critic of Trudeau’s leadership. Long estimates that as many as 50 of the 153 Liberal MPs want Trudeau to resign immediately.
Public opinion is also turning against him. A September poll by Ipsos found that 66% of Canadians disapprove of Trudeau, with only 26% naming him as their top choice for prime minister. His main rival, Poilievre, leads by a significant margin.
Political observers say Trudeau’s disdain for Poilievre may be fueling his refusal to step aside. “He does not want to back down, and he does want to take on Pierre Poilievre, whom he detests,” Martin said.
Trudeau’s future now hangs in the balance, and his decision over the holiday season could define his legacy. Some liken his predicament to that of his father, who resigned in 1984 after a long political career, famously citing a reflective “walk in the snow” as the moment he decided to leave.
“Will Justin take his own walk in the snow this Christmas? Perhaps,” said Canadian historian Raymond Blake. “But I’m not convinced.”
For now, Trudeau’s political survival remains uncertain. An election looms, his party is divided, and his popularity continues to decline. Whether he steps aside or digs in, the coming weeks will determine whether Canada’s prime minister can overcome yet another political storm—or if this is the one that finally ends his tenure.
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