OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s inner circle has begun laying out his options after Chrystia Freeland’s bombshell resignation Monday heightened calls for him to step down.
A senior Liberal close to the prime minister who was not authorized to speak publicly about the discussions tells The Canadian Press that Trudeau is being presented possible paths forward, including proroguing Parliament to allow a Liberal leadership race to take place.
Freeland resigned as finance minister on Monday — the same day she was scheduled to present the fall economic statement and just days after Trudeau told her she would be moved out of the finance job.
The decision appears to have backfired spectacularly, igniting a chorus of calls for the prime minister to resign, including from several Liberal MPs, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and the Toronto Star’s editorial board.
Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson said Tuesday that Trudeau is taking time to reflect on the situation.
The House of Commons is now on its holiday break, giving the prime minister a few weeks to decide on his next move before MPs return to Ottawa on Jan. 27.
Trudeau has cancelled his year-end interviews with news outlets and has yet to publicly discuss Freeland’s departure.
On Tuesday evening, he spoke at the national Liberal caucus holiday party in Ottawa, where Freeland was in attendance.
He indirectly referenced Monday’s events, saying the previous few days had been eventful.
“It hasn’t been easy, and that’s why I’m so happy to see you guys,” he said, comparing the Liberals to a “big family.”
“Like most families, sometimes we have fights around the holidays. But of course, like most families, we find our way through it.”
Freeland’s departure came on the same day Housing Minister Sean Fraser publicly announced he won’t be seeking re-election, citing family reasons.
A senior government official who was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter said Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith is being considered to replace Fraser in an upcoming cabinet shuffle.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 18, 2024.
