Faced with turmoil, a defiant Trudeau hangs on - for now

Recently, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced one of the most challenging weeks of his political career. While attending the Liberal Party's annual holiday gathering, he was caught off guard by the sudden resignation of his trusted ally, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. This unexpected news came just hours before she was scheduled to deliver an important economic statement in Parliament. Despite the turmoil within his party, where some members were urging him to step down, Trudeau maintained a defiant and resolute demeanor as he addressed his supporters. Dressed in a dark blue suit and tie, he likened his difficult week to a family dispute, emphasizing the importance of being 'audacious' and 'ambitious' in the face of adversity. He also took the opportunity to criticize his political rival, Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. Observers noted that Trudeau's speech resembled a campaign address, suggesting that he is determined to hold onto his position despite the ongoing political challenges. On Friday, Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democrat Party (NDP), announced his intention to introduce a motion to topple Trudeau's government in the upcoming year. The NDP's support has been crucial in keeping the Liberal Party in power, and the prospect of an imminent election now looms large. However, Trudeau has not indicated any plans to resign in the near future, although he reportedly told party members that he would take time during the winter holiday to reflect on his next steps. Political analysts have pointed out that Trudeau has often displayed a streak of defiance when under pressure, a trait that has helped him navigate numerous controversies during his nine years in office. He has frequently been underestimated, particularly when he won a majority government in 2015 at the age of 44, despite being portrayed by his opponents as inexperienced. As the pressure mounts for him to resign, some experts suggest that he may need to adopt a new strategy. Trudeau's journey to the Prime Minister's office was not without its challenges. When he first ran for the position, he was often met with skepticism, as critics labeled him as 'just not ready. ' This phrase became a common refrain in attack ads aimed at him during his campaign against the long-serving Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Critics pointed to his youth, relative lack of experience, and unconventional path to politics as reasons for their doubts. Before entering politics, Trudeau worked as a drama teacher in Vancouver and was known as the son of former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau. However, once he entered the political arena, he adopted a fighting spirit, a trait he likely inherited from his father, who was known for his charismatic yet combative leadership style. His father's famous catchphrase, 'just watch me,' became a symbol of resilience during political crises. Trudeau's confidence and determination helped him achieve a historic victory for the Liberal Party, transforming them from third place in Parliament to a majority mandate in his first federal election. This success instilled in him a belief that he could overcome significant obstacles. However, his time in office has not been without its share of controversies. During his first term, Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould, the first Indigenous woman to hold the position, resigned over allegations of interference and 'veiled threats' from senior government officials seeking a legal favor for a company facing corruption charges. As he campaigned for a second term in 2019, Trudeau's re-election efforts were marred by the release of images showing him wearing brownface on multiple occasions during his youth. In 2020, he faced yet another ethics scandal involving a substantial government contract for a youth charity linked to his family. Despite these setbacks, Trudeau has managed to hold onto power, winning re-election twice and becoming the longest-serving leader among his G7 counterparts. His political successes and leadership style have garnered loyalty from many within his party, even in the face of scandals. However, there are indications that his time in office may be coming to an end. Historically, only one Canadian Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald, has served four consecutive terms. Trudeau is also grappling with declining popularity, as a recent Ipsos poll revealed that approximately two-thirds of Canadians disapprove of his leadership. Only 26% of respondents indicated that Trudeau was their preferred choice for Prime Minister, placing him 19 points behind Conservative leader Poilievre. Additionally, support within Trudeau's own party is waning, with at least 18 Liberal MPs publicly calling for him to step down. New Brunswick MP Wayne Long expressed that it is unfair to continue with Trudeau as leader, stating, 'We need to move on with a new direction and we need to reboot. ' Long, who has been vocal in pushing for Trudeau's removal, claimed that as many as 50 of the 153 Liberal MPs want him to resign immediately. While some party members remain loyal to Trudeau, many others are uncertain about his leadership. Political columnist Lawrence Martin noted that if a secret vote were held among Liberal MPs regarding Trudeau's future, he would likely be defeated. Trudeau's determination to remain in power appears to be fueled by his disdain for his political opponent, Poilievre. Martin observed, 'He does not want to back down, and he does want to take on Pierre Poilievre, whom he detests. ' Trudeau's stubbornness in the face of a bleak political outlook has drawn comparisons to outgoing US President Joe Biden, who withdrew from his candidacy under mounting internal pressure. Experts believe that Trudeau's legacy, much like Biden's, will depend on how he exits the political stage. Engaging in a losing battle could leave a lasting scar on his reputation. Nevertheless, Trudeau has demonstrated a remarkable ability to survive political challenges, often defying expectations. His situation is reminiscent of his father's experience, who won three consecutive elections but faced declining popularity after 15 years in power. In 1984, the elder Trudeau decided to step down after realizing he would not win the next election. This decision has since become synonymous with political resignation in Canada, referred to as taking a 'walk in the snow. ' As the holiday season approaches, it remains uncertain whether Justin Trudeau will take his own walk.