Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, once celebrated for his 2015 victory on promises of change and optimism, is now facing mounting pressure to step down both from within his party.
And the Opposition. Not many have retained the faith that they once had in Trudeau’s abilities, given the economic mess and diplomatic mess that Canada is in. After nearly a decade in power, Trudeau’s political future looks increasingly uncertain amid plummeting approval ratings, internal party dissent, and growing public frustration over rising living costs.
The crisis escalated earlier this week with the sudden resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, one of the most prominent members of Trudeau’s Cabinet.
Freeland reportedly stepped down following disagreements over how to respond to US President-elect Donald Trump’s threats of a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. Her abrupt departure sent shockwaves across Canada and raised serious concerns about the stability of Trudeau’s government.
Trudeau’s former ally and National Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh was the latest person to ask Trudeau to step down. This comes after Trudeau has seen an all-time low in his popularity, less than a year before the October 2025 elections.
But his troubles are not limited to the home front, he is also facing strained international ties with India and the US. Tensions escalated after Trudeau alleged Indian involvement in Canadian election interference and linked India to the death of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. These accusations have further strained bilateral ties.
Meanwhile, Trudeau faces additional challenges from the incoming US administration. President-elect Trump, who has not only threatened to impose high tariffs on Canadian goods but also mocked PM Trudeau by referring to him as the “Governor of the greatest state.”
With both domestic and international pressures mounting, Trudeau’s leadership appears more fragile than ever.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PRESSURE MOUNTS ON TRUDEAU
Freeland’s resignation has increased Trudeau’s critics, including members of his own Liberal Party. Liberal MP Sean Casey publicly called for Trudeau to resign, while Montreal-area MP Anthony Housefather echoed the sentiment, adding to a growing chorus demanding change.
The opposition has seized the opportunity.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, now leading in public opinion polls, took a straight dig at Trudeau’s leadership. “Justin Trudeau has lost control, but he is onto power,” Poilievre remarked. Adding further pressure, Jagmeet Singh, the NDP leader, also stated how Trudeau is unable to address the everyday problems of Canadians.
“People are dealing with soaring grocery prices, unaffordable housing, and rising interest rates. Instead of addressing these critical issues, the Prime Minister is busy fighting battles within his own party. It’s clear he cannot continue,” Singh stated.
CANADIANS’ GROWING DISCONTENT ON TRUDEAU’S LEADERSHIP
Public frustration has reached new heights as Trudeau’s approval ratings hit record lows. According to a recent Ipsos poll, only 33% of Canadians believe Trudeau is fit to remain Prime Minister, while a staggering 67% disapprove of his leadership — an increase of four points since June 2024.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has emerged as the top choice for Prime Minister, with 45% support, far ahead of Trudeau, who trails at just 26%. The poll also shows that one-quarter of Canadians prefer Jagmeet Singh for the role.
This comes at a time when Canada faces a food crisis, food bank shortages, inflation and a housing crisis. Then, there is the issue of immigration that many expect the new government to handle. However, Trudeau’s inability to respond effectively has fuelled dissatisfaction, leaving many voters disillusioned.
CALLS FOR TRUDEAU’S RESIGNATION INTENSIFY
The demand for Trudeau to step aside is no longer limited to Parliament.
Canadians across the country are voicing their anger.
“Prime Minister, you’ve failed Canada. You’ve ruined this country. Walk away—you don’t have an ounce of your father’s integrity. Everyone around you is abandoning you. Chrystia Freeland, Sean Fraser—they’ve all left. It’s time for you to go,” said Canadian citizens on live TV.
“Everyone around you is running from you. You’re abandoning me. Chris Freeland, Sean Fraser, they’ve all left you. It’s time for you to go. It’s time for Canada to have an election. You’re not the king,” they added.
Prominent voices in the Canadian media are also amplifying these calls.
“Trudeau is in the weakest position he’s ever been in. He’s become the governor of the great state of Canada,” journalist Daniel Bordman remarked. “It’s in the best interest of Canada for Trudeau to resign,” Journalist Keean Bexte added to this chorus.
ELECTION LOOMS AMID POLITICAL UNCERTAINTY
With Canada’s next general election scheduled for October 2025 or earlier, if a no-confidence vote is triggered—Trudeau faces a rapidly shrinking window to turn things around. Amid all the calls for him to resign, trading platform Polymarket now predicts an 80% chance that Trudeau will resign before April.
Bordman told India Today TV that it was unlikely that Trudeau’s government would last beyond April.
Thre is little hope left for Trudeau, who came to power in Canada on the planks of hope and optimism. It looks unlikely that he would be able to drag on as the Prime Minister and complete the term of the government before elections are held in Canada.