Trudeau stands firm as leader after tough caucus meeting

On October 24, 2024, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared that he will remain the leader of the Liberal Party, despite an October 28 deadline suggested by some members of Parliament (MPs) for his resignation. This announcement followed a tense caucus meeting held on October 23, where several MPs expressed their concerns about Trudeau's leadership amid decreasing support for the party. Reports indicate that these discussions began as early as October 12, with Liberal MP Sean Casey emphasizing that constituents were calling for a leadership change. Notably, Trudeau's decision comes at a time when the Liberal Party has been trailing behind the Conservative Party in public opinion polls for over a year. A recent Nanos Research poll, conducted on October 15, revealed that only 23 percent of Canadians supported the Liberal Party, while the Conservatives garnered 39 percent. This decline has raised significant questions regarding the party’s future and effectiveness under Trudeau's leadership. During a press conference, Trudeau framed his decision to stay in leadership as a crucial measure to prevent Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre from taking the Prime Minister position. He highlighted the importance of continuing dialogues within the party to determine the best path forward. The lack of a recall mechanism for Liberal leaders during their mandate further solidifies Trudeau's position against potential leadership challenges. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how party members will respond in the coming weeks and whether Trudeau's commitment to staying in power will effectively boost the party's standing with the electorate.