When I teach courses on Canadian politics at the University of Manitoba, I usually tell the students that it’s a great time to take the course because there are so many exciting things happening. Then, I realized that I said this at the start of every class — there’s always exciting happening in Canadian politics! So I stopped saying it. Our current period is a great example.
Things are moving so quickly that it’s hard to stay on top of what’s happening. But three notable and important things have changed in the last few weeks. First, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has lost significant ground with his caucus which will make it much harder for him to cling to the Liberal leadership.
Following meetings, both the Ontario and Atlantic caucuses signalled to Trudeau that they wanted him to step down. The Quebec caucus will reportedly issue a similar missive to the PM. The Liberal caucus rebellion that has been simmering for roughly a year may finally have reached boiling point.
Prior to the Christmas break, Trudeau airily told his MPs that he’d take the holiday to ponder his future and would return to Ottawa with a decision in January. Astoundingly, his MPs gave him the luxury of time. Wisely, the caucus is now demanding a quick decision from Trudeau.
That’s a smart move because the PM has effectively used delay to defang caucus attacks against his leadership. Trudeau himself also appears deflated. Any leader intent on facing down a leadership revolt would be working t.
