It has been a week since Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as Prime Minister and Liberal leader, and that has sparked some different opinions across all federal parties.
While some MPs are saying they’re not shocked, others are saying a new leader could help them win the next election by a narrow margin, but only if the right one is selected.
Liberal MP for West Vancouver, Sunshine Coast and Sea to Sky Country Patrick Weiler says it was time for Trudeau to step down, and while the government has made some significant steps, new leadership is needed if the party has any chance in the next federal election.
“I thank the prime minister for his service, and for what he has done for the country,” he says. “It was clear Canadians were looking for a change in leadership and he acknowledged and acted on that.
“He also prorogued Parliament, but that doesn’t mean the function of government ends.”
Liberal candidates will have to have their nominations filled out by Jan. 23, and with contenders such as former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney and former BC premier Christy Clark looking to enter the race Weiler says whoever wins the internal election is going to have to respond quickly to what Canadians want.
“It makes for a very strong contrast,” he says. “I think whoever is chosen is going to have to define themselves personally and what type of vision they would have, and how they can respond to the seeking of change.
“I would expect to see some very different visions from some of the policies that are put in place right now.”
He says his ideal candidate would be laser-focused on economic growth, have a lot of experience and be someone who has shown they can manage through very difficult circumstances, because we are living in a time of great uncertainty.
“Also, someone who can manage business relationships, strong liberal values, and someone focused on the fight against climate change,” he adds.
He says if the new leader is compelling, and someone who can create a strong vision, then the uphill battle could be tipped in their favour.
“Within 24 hours of Trudeau’s resignation we already saw a six-point jump in the polls going from the current leader to no leader,” he says.
Nanaimo Ladysmith NDP MP Lisa Marie Barron also says despite Parliament being prorogued she still intends to address concerns that Canadians might have, but once they sit again in March the NDP has all options on the table.
“There are many options as to what might happen, but Jagmeet has made it very clear that if parliament does resume, that we [NDP} will be moving a non-confidence vote, to see an election happen,” she says.
Barron says while the prorogation is a chance to reset and allow MPs the chance to connect with constituents, the government needs to address growing concerns.
“Instead of moving forward we’re now paused as a government,” she says. “We know people are struggling to make ends meet, but the Liberals are too focused on… themselves, and this is the result.”
The prorogation is expected to last until Mar. 24, at which time MPs will sit in on the first Parliamentary session of 2025, and the start of a non-confidence motion to for a spring federal election.
According to a 338Canada.com poll, if an election were held today the Conservative Party of Canada would win with 45 per cent of the vote, with a close race between the liberals and NDP by a difference of only one per cent.
