In an unprecedented move, backbench MP Wayne Long has become the first sitting member of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party caucus to call for his resignation. The call comes in the wake of a disastrous by-election defeat for the party.
In an email to fellow party members, obtained by the National Post, Long asserted that new leadership is necessary “for the future of our party and for the good of our country.” Long, who represents a riding in New Brunswick, sent the email on Friday afternoon following the Liberal Party’s catastrophic loss in the Toronto-St. Paul’s by-election on Monday. The Toronto seat, held by the Liberals since 1993, was lost to the Conservatives by a margin of over 500 votes.
“The voters have spoken loud and clear and they want a change,” Long wrote. “After reflection on this week’s defeat in Toronto-St. Paul’s and then seeing the response, I want you to know clearly and directly where I stand. For the future of our party and for the good of our country, we need new leadership and a new direction.”
Long, who has served as an MP since 2015 and previously announced he would not seek re-election, has sparked a wave of support and further calls for Trudeau’s resignation. Newfoundland MP Ken McDonald replied to Long’s email with, “Well said!”
Former Liberal politicians have also voiced similar sentiments. Catherine McKenna, who served as environment minister from 2015 to 2019, stated, “The Liberal Party isn’t about one person. It’s about the values it stands for and it’s about improving the lives of Canadians. The prime minister has a legacy to be proud of, but it’s time for new ideas, new energy, and a new leader.”
Former British Columbia Liberal Premier Christy Clark echoed these calls in an interview with the Toronto Star, saying, “The prime minister does not have the pull with voters he once had, but more importantly, he isn’t even able to motivate some of the people in the country who are most likely to vote for his party.”
Despite these calls for change, Trudeau has vowed to remain as Liberal leader. “These are not easy times,” he said following Monday’s defeat. “And it is clear, I and my entire team have much more hard work to do to deliver tangible, real progress that Canadians can see and feel.” However, he has not taken questions from reporters since the loss.
The next federal election in Canada is scheduled to take place by October 20, 2025. Trudeau’s popularity has seen a significant decline due to various issues, including cost-of-living pressures. A recent Ipsos poll for Global News indicated that as many as 68% of Canadians want Trudeau to step down.