Liberal Ministers Miller, Rodriguez Say Party is United Behind Trudeau

Minister Marc Miller pauses as he responds to a question during a news conference in Ottawa, on June 5, 2020. Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press

Immigration Minister Marc Miller says the Liberal caucus is united behind the prime minister, despite recent rumblings of discontent within the party.

“We’re all united behind the prime minister,” Mr. Miller told reporters on Sept. 13 outside the Liberal caucus retreat in London, Ont.

The minister did concede there were some difficult conversations with MPs behind closed doors.

“It’s not a choir that sits behind singing all the time; we actually get out there and tell each other what we like, what we don’t like. It’s like any family,” said Mr. Miller.

“The prime minister has said time and time again that he has to hear it—he doesn’t always like to hear it, but he has to hear it.”

Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez also said the party is united, and that difficult internal discussions are part and parcel of governing for as long as the Liberals have.

“There are things that could have been done differently, but the prime minister was receptive. What’s important is that we’re united, we’re solid,” Mr. Rodriguez said. “What the caucus wanted was to be heard.”

Mr. Miller said MPs have been taken to task by their constituents for deteriorating affordability in Canada. Against a backdrop of inflation, homeownership, and rental affordability woes, the minister said constituents’ frustrations have grown louder, reaching a crescendo this past summer.

This frustration is reflected in the polls, with the Conservatives taking a double-digit lead into majority territory.

Mr. Miller also said the so-called “sunny ways” that were often associated with the early years of the Liberals’ eight-year reign have receded.

“Well, I think it’s just a fact. If you look at affordability issues, people at the end of the month trying to make ends meet, that’s just the fact, whether you’re in downtown Montreal or in rural Saskatchewan,” he said.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been questioned about his immediate future as party leader amid what’s been described as internal party frustration, but he rebuffed the notion of resigning.

“We’re two years away from the next election. I continue to do my job, and there’s a lot of important work to be done, and to deliver for Canadians in these tough times,” Mr. Trudeau told reporters on Sept. 13 in London.

“I remain enthusiastic and determined about this work.”

Mr. Trudeau also confirmed he had frank discussions with members of his caucus this summer and said they would continue to work together.

The Liberals wrapped up a two-day caucus retreat in London on Sept. 14, just days before the House of Commons reconvenes on Sept. 18.